The inquiry concerns the point in history at which doors began to open and close without human intervention. These portals, activated by a variety of mechanisms, represent an evolution in building technology designed to enhance convenience and accessibility.
The advent of such systems brought several advantages. They improved traffic flow in high-use areas, offered hands-free operation promoting hygiene, and provided enhanced accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Early examples can be traced back to the first century AD, with Hero of Alexandria credited with devising a system that used heat and a vacuum to operate temple doors. Subsequent developments occurred sporadically over the centuries.