From Ancient Temples to Automatic Door Day

Automatic doors may feel like a modern convenience, but the idea of hands‑free entry dates back centuries. In fact, one of the earliest known automatic doors was created in the 1st century by Heron of Alexandria, who used steam power to open massive temple doors - an engineering marvel for its time.

Fast‑forward to the 20th century, and automatic doors began reshaping modern buildings. In 1954, Horton Automatics was founded during a breakthrough moment sparked by something very familiar to Texans: wind. Traditional swing doors struggled in harsh conditions, inspiring a better solution.

The result was the automatic sliding door, first installed commercially in 1960, and a new standard for entry systems worldwide.

Today, Horton's innovations continue to influence how people move through healthcare facilities, hotels, retail spaces, and public buildings. Automatic doors improve accessibility, support hygiene, enhance energy efficiency, and integrate seamlessly with modern security systems.

National Automatic Door Day, launched in 2021, honors:

• Early innovators
• Industry pioneers
• The professionals who keep buildings accessible and safe

We are proud to be part of that legacy—and proud to see it carried forward in the field every day.

➡ Read the full Automatic Door Day story on Door Services Corporation website.

Author: Krista Rivers, Marketing Manager, Door Services Corporation