What is an automatic door?

Let's take a closer look at automatic doors, including how they work, the types of automatic doors available, and the benefits automatic doors offer, such as improving traffic flow and general hygiene.

How automatic doors work

Automatic doors, which are also known as automatic sliding doors, automatic door systems or auto doors etc., are simply doors that open and close automatically without requiring any physical effort from the user.

Most automatic doors are equipped with sensors (including pressure sensors), and motion detectors, that are able to detect the presence of a person or object, and then trigger the doors movement accordingly.

The technology behind automatic doors has evolved enormously over recent years, and some automatic door systems now include highly advanced access control systems that use fingerprint readers and facial recognition.

The types of automatic doors available

Modern automatic door systems for businesses etc. are available in a range of different types designed to suit various needs, such as dealing with excessive footfall, helping with accessibility demands, or to attain specific hygiene goals.

Types of automatic doors include:

Automatic sliding doors

Sliding doors are perhaps one of the most common types of automatic doors, and basic electric sliding door systems consist of two or more panels that slide horizontally to open and close.

Sliding doors are the perfect space-saving design which can be adapted to suit most commercial and public spaces, especially places with a high expected footfall, or where accessibility is essential.

Automatic swing doors

Automatic swing doors are designed to mimic the action of traditional hinged doors but open and close automatically, either with the use of pressure sensors, or motion detectors, including infrared motion detectors.

Modern automatic swing door systems are often found in offices, shops, leisure centres and hospitals etc., whether at the entrances and exits or throughout the buildings, as an internal automatic door system.

Automatic telescopic doors

Automatic telescopic doors are a type of automatic sliding door system but instead of just two sliding panels, automatic telescopic doors consist of multiple sliding panels which open and close in a telescopic motion.

Automatic telescopic doors can be designed to suit all types of premises, particularly large retail premises, airports, or hospitals, due to their wide opening ability, which can allow large numbers of people to access the premises safely.

What are the benefits of automatic doors?

Automatic door systems offer a range of benefits to all types of businesses and organisations, benefits of which include:

Accessibility

Automatic doors are the ideal solution to aid accessibility for people with mobility challenges, parents pushing pushchairs, and for shoppers carrying heavy loads.

Convenience

Because automatic doors are a hands-free solution to entering and exiting a premises, they offer the high level of convenience modern users expect.

Energy efficiency

One of the surprising benefits of automatic doors is that they help businesses save money and protect the environment, by minimising heat loss, or loss of cooled air.

Improved security

Automatic doors are an extremely secure entry and exit solution due to their rigid, impact-resistant design, and the advanced access control systems available.

Controlled traffic flow

In premises with periods of high traffic flow, modern automatic door systems can be designed to monitor and restrict pedestrian traffic flow when necessary.

Improved hygiene

Automatic doors are a great way to increase hygiene, due to the touchless technology involved, a benefit which was particularly helpful during the Covid19 pandemic.

Looking for an automatic door specialist?

Then contact Reactive Doors, one of the UK's leading specialists in the installation, maintenance and repair of all types of automatic door systems, and power-assisted doors.