Just to add to your first point, many washers feature digital control of motors at the very low level, especially for BLDC motor types. This can reduce noise, increase efficiency and longevity of a motor. This requires electronics and software for precise timing control.
Eh, I think that's a different thing. The line between machine and electronics is pretty blurry when you get down to it. Is an LED attached to a mechanical switch electronics? What if the switch controls a transistor that switches the light? A relay? A CPU? What if it's an incandescent bulb on a mechanical timer? The distinction isn't super clear, and a lot of electronic circuits are much less complex and more reliable than a mechanical replacement. Is that good or bad?
I think the discussion here is less about "uses any electricity at all" and more "uses internet connected DRM to be actively shitty"
Indeed, I get the gist of the message, however I’m just highlighting how much advanced electronics and software drive something as ‘mundane’ as a washing machine motor to improve its efficiency [0].
This often requires real-time software calculation of precision timing for FETs that control the motors. Very loosely related to what an ECU does in cars.
I agree this is different to the DRM/internet connectivity stuff, but does disservice to the rest of the electronics and software housed within.
[0] Trapezoidal Control of BLDC Motors Using Hall Effect Sensors
