The Japanese Door That Runs on Gravity
Summary
Newton Plus, a Japanese company, makes automatic doors powered by gravity that do not use electricity. Their doors open when someone steps on a plate under the doormat and close gently by gravity, saving energy and avoiding electrical problems. The company has installed about 400 sets of doors in Japan and aims to expand internationally.Key Facts
- Newton Plus won the top prize at the 2025 Newsweek Japan SDGs Awards for sustainability innovation.
- Their automatic doors work using gravity, requiring no external energy or electricity.
- Doors open when a plate under the doormat sinks slightly from a person’s weight, and close by gravity afterward.
- Advantages include no electricity cost, no power outages, low maintenance, and safe, gentle closing.
- The company was founded in 2012 by three men, inspired by Yasuo Nakano’s idea, who passed away before seeing the product’s success.
- Early sales were slow due to price and market acceptance, but government pilot projects helped increase trust and adoption.
- About 400 doors are installed in Japan in places like hospitals, stores, logistics centers, and condos.
- Newton Plus plans to reduce costs with higher production and expand sales overseas.
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