Though making a door that opens on its own seems like the logical next step, inventions tend to be made to solve one problem. Only time reveals the real value that inventions like the automatic sliding door would have for modern society. Let’s explore why the modern automatic sliding door was invented to better appreciate its importance to this day.

The Origin of the Modern Automatic Sliding Door

While there are automatic doors that go all the way back to the 1st century AD, the automatic door as we know it today was patented in 1931 by the manufacturer now known as Stanley Black and Decker. The concept behind this first door was that an optical sensor, a feature on some automatic doors today, would notice when wait staff was attempting to pass through and open the door so that they could more easily carry food and drink through to the next room!

Later, in 1954, Lew Hewitt and Dee Horton noticed that swinging doors struggled to open against the wind in the coastal city of Corpus Christi, Texas. To solve the issue, they invented automatic sliding doors that use a mat actuator! This technology is still playing a role over half a century later.

Impact and Prominence

Automatic sliding doors proved quickly useful for more than just waitstaff. Anyone with their hands full benefitted from these doors. Automatic sliding doors would quickly appear in hotels, hospitals, banks, and anywhere with heavy foot traffic. Even the smallest switch from manual doors to automated ones seemed to jump society into a faster, more efficient pace. Now we interact with automatic sliding doors throughout the day, from visiting the grocery store to catching a plane at the airport.



Modern Innovation and Importance

The original technology of automatic sliding doors has since been updated for a smoother, longer-lasting experience. Other sensors have been invented as well, including infrared sensors, which react in real-time and adapt to changes in the entryway environment.

We also know today that those automatic doors mean more for our businesses than efficiency. Accessibility for people of all mobility types is now required for many stores and offices. Automatic doors also serve a function for building security now, as they allow a business to quickly gain control over their environment and protect their guests. These security features make automatic doors an incredible tool for campuses across the country.

The modern automatic sliding door was invented to solve seemingly small issues, yet it continues to play a meaningful role in our lives today. If your company is looking to add an automated entryway to the building, our team at Pacific Entrance understands the value that automatic sliding doors can bring to a business.

Our licensed technicians bring with them years of experience and knowledge as well as a passion for meeting your needs. We proudly offer automatic commercial sliding door installation and repair throughout the Pacific Northwest and look forward to helping your company stay accessible for years to come.