For nearly 70 years of development, NABCO has not only been one of the pioneers in the automatic door industry but has also become a brand associated with many significant technological milestones worldwide. From the first automatic door researched and manufactured in Japan in 1956 to today’s intelligent automatic door systems, every advancement reflects NABCO’s philosophy of continuous innovation to improve operational performance, safety, and user experience. The evolution journey of NABCO automatic door technology is not simply the story of product development. It is also the process of establishing new standards for smart entrance solutions in hospitals, airports, hotels, shopping malls, and many modern buildings around the world. Let’s join Sonha Auto in looking back at the key milestones that have shaped NABCO’s leading position today.
1950s – The beginning of the automatic door industry in Japan
In 1956, NABCO officially introduced the first automatic door researched and manufactured in Japan. This was considered the milestone that marked the beginning of Japan’s automatic door industry and laid the foundation for the development of modern entrance solutions in the decades that followed.
At that time, automatic doors were mainly applied in commercial buildings and public areas to improve convenience for users entering and exiting facilities. Although the technology was relatively simple compared with today’s standards, it represented an important starting point for NABCO’s continuous innovations in the years ahead.
From this foundation, the evolution journey of NABCO automatic door technology began with the goal of creating systems that could deliver increasingly stable operation, enhanced safety, and solutions tailored to the specific requirements of each building.
1960s – Continuous innovation and market expansion
Entering the 1960s, NABCO continued researching and developing new generations of automatic door operators, including the DP-40D and Mini-Super series.
These innovations improved system stability, enhanced durability, and better met the growing demands of commercial buildings.
These products represented a significant advancement in operational performance, enabling automatic doors to operate more reliably, achieve longer service life, and better satisfy the requirements of commercial applications.
Beyond technological development, NABCO also expanded its market beyond Japan. The company’s automatic door technology was gradually introduced to Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, and Australia, creating a foundation for international growth.
This period marked the beginning of NABCO’s transformation into a global automatic door manufacturer with an international development strategy.
1970s – Expanding into large-scale projects
As infrastructure and transportation projects around the world experienced rapid growth, requirements for automatic door systems became increasingly demanding.
Automatic doors were no longer required only to operate reliably; they also needed to withstand continuous operation and maintain high durability in environments with heavy pedestrian traffic.
During this period, NABCO participated in many landmark projects, including:
- Jumbo Jet hangars
- Osaka Expo
- Narita Airport
Being selected for large-scale projects demonstrated the quality and reliability of NABCO automatic door technology.
At the same time, this was also the period when NABCO gradually evolved from an equipment manufacturer into a provider of automatic door solutions for major projects and critical facilities.
1980s – The era of intelligent automatic doors
While previous decades focused on improving operational performance, the 1980s marked a significant turning point in the evolution journey of NABCO automatic door technology as the company began applying electronic control technology to its products.
The DX-25 and ES Series were equipped with Microprocessor Control technology, enabling the system to control the door opening and closing process more accurately, respond faster, and operate more reliably.
The application of microprocessor technology not only improved operating performance but also created the foundation for future generations of automatic doors to integrate more intelligent functions.
During this period, NABCO also pioneered the development of Platform Screen Doors (PSD) for public transportation systems. This was an important advancement in improving passenger safety and demonstrated that NABCO’s technological capabilities were not limited to buildings but also extended to transportation infrastructure.
1990s – Superior performance and the milestone of 1 million automatic doors
Entering the 1990s, NABCO continued focusing on improving the performance and durability of automatic door systems. One of the most notable innovations was the application of the Brushless DC Motor on the DS Series. Compared with previous generations, this technology reduced mechanical wear, enabled quieter operation, improved working efficiency, and extended equipment lifespan.
The technology was particularly suitable for buildings requiring high-frequency operation, such as hospitals, airports, and shopping malls.
The application of Brushless DC Motor technology also became an important foundation for NABCO to continue developing future generations of automatic doors with higher performance, greater durability, and improved energy efficiency.
This milestone was not only an impressive achievement but also strong evidence of the market’s trust in NABCO’s quality, durability, and innovation capabilities.
From 1 million automatic doors to continuous innovation
After more than four decades of continuous improvement, the milestone of 1 million automatic doors produced and sold worldwide is a testament to NABCO’s quality and innovation capabilities. However, this was not the final destination. Entering the 2000s, NABCO continued investing in connectivity technologies, intelligent control systems, and human-centered solutions, opening a new stage of development for the automatic door industry.
In the next part of this series, let’s explore the innovations in NABCO automatic door technology from 2000 to today, featuring key milestones such as CAN Network technology, the HDS-4 push button switch receiving the Good Design Award, and the milestone of 3 million automatic doors manufactured worldwide.
>>> See more: NABCO – The Premium Global Supplier of Automatic Doors
Conclusion
The evolution journey of NABCO automatic door technology from 1956 to the milestone of 1 million automatic doors is a testament to the continuous innovation philosophy of a pioneering Japanese automatic door brand. Today, NABCO Japanese automatic doors continue to be trusted and selected for millions of buildings worldwide thanks to their quality, durability, and ongoing technological advancements. Each technological milestone has not only contributed to improving operational efficiency and safety but has also laid the foundation for intelligent automatic door solutions that are widely applied in modern buildings today.
As an official distribution and installation partner of NABCO automatic doors in Vietnam with more than 20 years of experience, Sonha Auto continuously updates the latest technologies from NABCO to provide smart entrance solutions that meet the requirements of aesthetics, durability, and operational standards for each project.
