Provided are a device and a method for controlling automatic opening and closing of an upper cover of a washing machine. The device includes a controller and a detector. The controller is configured to control a motor to rotate to drive the upper cover to open, close or stop at a current position. The detector is connected to the controller and is configured to collect a signal indicating an obstacle between the upper cover and a tray or on one side of the upper cover facing away from the tray, and send the signal indicating the obstacle to the controller. When the existence of the obstacle between the upper cover and the tray or on the one side of the upper cover facing away from the tray is determined, the controller controls the upper cover to stop at the current position or return to an initial position.