I moved in with a lady who had a brand new Samsung washing machine. It had all the bells and whistles, and was so automatic that when I opened the lid after it had already started its cycle it coughed and died. Cost 2000 pesos to get it running right afterwards and she assured me that I better not touch her washing machine ever again!
Something like this
http://www.geappliances.com/ge/connected-appliances/washer-dryer-laundry.htm
It probably senses when your smart-phone is in the washing-machine...