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Re:Crafting a high-performance TV user interface using React by lobster_johnson on Thursday January 12, 2017 @11:33PM (#13388409)
I've thought this many times, and I suspect it's somewhat complicated, engineering-wise — but solvable.

For one, detergent comes in at least three forms: Powder, liquid and those little plastic pouches. Powder would be pretty easy (but the dosage would be brand-specific) and liquid would be messy (flow rate would be a challenge).

The easiest way would be if all machines could accept a "standard pellet" which gets loaded in some kind of completely fool-proof way so the machine cannot mechanically choke on them, ever, or accidentally add too few/many to a load.

Same thing with dishwashers.

As for why you can't just close the door and walk away: Setting the program is an important step in washing clothes. Modern machines do have a single "start" button.

Re:Crafting a high-performance TV user interface using React by dkresge on Friday January 13, 2017 @09:25AM (#13390967)
GE has both under the name "SmartDispense". They use a peristaltic pump to dispense liquid detergent. I owned the dishwasher for a few years and enjoyed the convenience.