Washing machines use various sensors and a programmable control system to automate washing cycles. Sensors measure water level, temperature, load amount and trigger operations like water filling, agitation, spinning, and draining. The control system runs programmed wash cycles, communicates with input devices and sensors, and controls motors, pumps and other components based on settings. Programming languages like C and C++ allow low-level control of hardware and are commonly used to program washing machine microcontrollers and automate cycles.