It's already been done: http://www.cnet.com/8301-13553_1-10009797-32.html
Like you said, it's the folding that's hard.
Like you said, it's the folding that's hard.
The model in that article is only 2.44 cf. That is to be expected though, seeing as I don't know of anyone else making a similar device, but we still need to improve before sales would make it worth manufacturing in mass.
I think a more realistic solution to fully automating laundry would be something like the LG TROMM Styler. It's a wardrobe that dry-cleans clothes.
Why is it any more difficult to build a machine that works on a 120V 15A circuit? I never studied circuits, so consider me a layman.