When Were Automatic Doors Invented? ... They didn’t really catch on until the addition of motion sensor technology in the 1970s, after Star Trek‘s run. In the ’80s and ’90s, ...

The sensor that detects the presence of a person or object in the doors’ swing area was taken out of service while the one that detects motion approaching the door remained active.

New doors installed at sensitive locations, like the neurosurgery department and patient recovery rooms, have motion censors. Doctors say monkeys sneak in easily because the doors open automatically.