One of the problems I have every wash is that I end up with one sock over. Every time. I used to make the excuse that the sock matched one from before or that the matching sock was waiting to be washed. However, after a while of leaving the sock by the washing line for the next batch and discovering that it was not true for the millionth time I gave up.
I also have to join my socks together with a clip so when they come out of the wash I have a matched pair. Whoo Hoo for advanced technology. I could never match them myself unless there was a logo or something on them so something like this sock sorting robot would be great for me
Now if only I had one of these that could also iron shirts. My two biggest issues solved in one.
I’ve been trying to remember the name of a short story in either IF or Galaxy about a guy that had the problem you describe. The gist of it is that one day he finds a sock he has never owned on the washing machine – it has replaced one he did own. Eventually he manages to find the owner – name tag or something and they set up an experiment that leads to a matter transporter.
Maybe you should look for socks you haven’t owned