The unsung heroes of everyday life – a nod to National Automatic Door Day
Today, 19 March, across the United States, people are (probably) pausing for a moment of appreciation as they step through the silent, seamless embrace of an automatic door. Yes, it’sNational Automatic Door Day—a day dedicated to those marvels of modern convenience that we use without a second thought.
But here in Australia & New Zealand? Well, let’s just say the idea of anofficialNational Automatic Door Day hasn’t exactly gained traction—yet. Perhaps it’s only a matter of time before we, too, stop in our tracks (or, more accurately, glide effortlessly through) to acknowledge these everyday engineering wonders.
A bit of backstory.
Automatic doors may feel like a thoroughly modern invention, but their origins date back to the 1st century AD. Greek engineer Heron of Alexandria designed steam-powered temple doors that would openautomatically—an excellent party trick for the time. Fast forward to the 20th century, and the world finally caught up. In 1954, George C. Bingham patented the first modern automatic door, and the rest is history. Now, they’re everywhere—from shopping centres and hospitals to office buildings and airports, ensuring effortless entry and exit without so much as a nudge.
Why we should celebrate.
While we may not have an officialNational Automatic Door Dayhere in Australia & New Zealand, let’s take a moment to recognise the sheer brilliance of these unsung heroes of accessibility and convenience.
Think about it:
They never judge.
Whether your hands are full of groceries or you’re attempting a dramatic entrance, they open without hesitation.
They’re hygiene friendly.
No need to touch germ-ridden handles—just walk through and let the magic happen.
They keep us moving.
Ever awkwardly pushed apulldoor? Exactly. Automatic doors spare us all from these minor (but deeply embarrassing) inconveniences.
A few fun facts to impress your mates.
Automatic doors save energy.
They only open when necessary, reducing heat or cool air loss from buildings. Energy efficient and convenient. That’s a win-win.
They’re vital for accessibility.
From wheelchairs to prams, they make life easier for everyone.
They’re even used in space!
NASA incorporates automatic doors into spacecraft to assist astronauts moving between compartments. If they’re good enough for zero gravity, they’re good enough for us.
How to honour the humble automatic door.
If you’re feeling inspired to mark the occasion (unofficially, of course), here are a few ways to pay tribute:
Walk through one with purpose.
Next time you glide through an automatic door, take a moment to appreciate its effortless precision. Maybe even give it a subtle nod of respect.
Learn how they work.
Infrared sensors, motion detectors, drive belts—these clever mechanisms ensure doors open only when needed.
Show some love on social media.
Use the hashtag#NationalAutomaticDoorDay(why should the Americans have all the fun?) and share your appreciation for these everyday marvels.
The future of national automatic door day in Australia & New Zealand.
So, will National Automatic Door Day ever catch on in Australia & New Zealand? Perhaps. If it does, let’s make sure we celebrate it in true style—maybe with a snag on the barbie outside a Bunnings that, of course, has automatic doors.
Until then, we’ll tip our hats (and walk hands-free through) these silent workhorses of modern infrastructure. Happy National Automatic Door Day—to those celebrating across the Pacific, and to the rest of us who now feel slightly more aware of the genius of automatic doors.
To find out more (seriously): Entrance Systems