Evolution Of Automatic Doors

Automatic doors are used all over the world. You probably use them almost every day of your life, from supermarkets to schools, hospitals, and offices. Automatic doors are thought to have originated in ancient Greece, which might surprise you. Heron of Alexandria, a Greek mathematician, devised an automated door mechanism based on a set of ropes and pulleys.

The Beginning

Automatic doors were not developed as a mainstream commodity until the twentieth century, after the initial spark from Greece into the world of automatic doors. Horace H. Raymond and Sheldon S. Roby, two American engineers, produced the first optical system to open an automatic door in 1931. Wilcox’s Pier Restaurant installed the device to aid waiters in carrying plates and glasses.

Another pair of Americans, Dee Horton and Lew Hewitt, invented the first automatic doors powered by mat actuators in 1954, during a time of post war optimism. Mat actuators are regulated by an electronic device concealed inside the door mat. The door immediately opens when someone stands on the mat. Throughout the 1960s, automatic sliding doors became increasingly common, and they were installed all over!

Motion Activated

Motion sensors were developed in the 1970s and used to actuate the opening of automatic doors. This sparked a surge in popularity, with automatic doors assisting in providing disabled access and opening up buildings on a large scale using contactless technology.

Automatic revolving doors were introduced in the 1980s, and motion detectors became more popular in automatic sliding doors. Automatic folding doors were developed in the 1990s, and active infrared sensors became the traditional method of activation.

Automatic doors have become a familiar sight on commercial buildings around the world in today’s high-tech society. We have over a decade of experience installing and maintaining automatic doors at The Automatic Door Business. We have all of the necessary skills and experience to ensure that your automatic doors continue to operate at peak levels for several years.

If you have any questions about our products & services, please do call us on 01923 277901 or contact us here.

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