Can Automatic Door Sensors Detect Small Children or Pets?

Automatic doors have become a common feature in shopping malls, hospitals, airports, and office buildings. They open seamlessly as people approach, offering convenience and accessibility. However, one important safety question often arises — can automatic door sensors detect small children or pets? The answer depends on the type of sensor, its sensitivity, and how it’s installed and calibrated.

Understanding How Automatic Door Sensors Work

Automatic door sensors use various technologies to detect movement or presence near the door. The most common types include:

Microwave or Radar Sensors – Detect motion by emitting microwave signals and analyzing the reflection from moving objects.

Infrared (IR) Sensors – Detect changes in temperature or light patterns caused by the presence of people or objects.

Ultrasonic Sensors – Emit sound waves to measure distance and detect movement.

Active Infrared Presence Sensors – Continuously monitor a specific area, ensuring that the door doesn’t close when something or someone is in the way.

Each sensor type has strengths and limitations when it comes to detecting smaller objects like toddlers, animals, or rolling strollers.

Detection of Small Children

Most modern automatic door systems are designed with enhanced safety detection to identify small children. Advanced sensors can detect movement or presence close to the ground and react quickly to prevent accidental contact.

However, effectiveness can vary based on:

Sensor placement and angle: Sensors mounted too high might miss small children who are below the main detection zone.

Sensitivity settings: If set too low, the sensor may fail to detect smaller or slower movements.

Type of sensor: Presence-detection infrared sensors are more reliable for identifying stationary or small subjects compared to basic motion sensors.

In public buildings, safety regulations often require redundant sensors — such as overhead motion sensors combined with door-edge presence sensors — to ensure that children and shorter individuals are fully protected.

Detection of Pets and Small Animals

Detecting pets or small animals is more challenging because:

Their height is often below the active detection field.

They may move too quickly or too close to the floor for standard motion sensors.

Some sensors intentionally filter out very small objects to reduce false triggers from debris or shadows.

To improve safety, some automatic door systems use low-mounted infrared or laser sensors near the door’s bottom edge to detect movement close to the floor. These sensors can identify pets, small carts, or dropped objects that could obstruct the doorway.

For residential or specialized applications—such as veterinary clinics, pet stores, or facilities with frequent small-animal traffic—manufacturers may install multi-zone sensors or custom sensitivity profiles to ensure reliable detection at multiple height levels.

Improving Detection Performance

If your automatic door system needs to detect small children or pets, consider the following recommendations:

Use presence-detection sensors rather than motion-only sensors.

Install multi-zone or dual-technology sensors (combining microwave and infrared).

Adjust mounting height and angle to ensure ground-level coverage.

Test regularly using objects of different sizes to confirm the door responds correctly.

Follow safety standards such as EN 16005 (Europe) or ANSI/BHMA A156.10 (U.S.), which specify requirements for safe door operation.

Safety Standards and Regulations

Safety standards worldwide require automatic doors to be equipped with sensors that minimize the risk of contact with users. For example:

ANSI/BHMA A156.10 (U.S.) requires doors to have safety sensors covering approach and threshold zones.

EN 16005 (Europe) mandates that sensors detect movement within a specific height range, including children.

These standards ensure that doors respond safely to both adults and smaller individuals. While pets are not always explicitly mentioned, systems designed to meet or exceed these requirements typically provide a high level of protection.

Conclusion

Automatic door sensors can detect small children effectively when properly installed and calibrated. However, detecting pets or very small animals may require additional or specialized sensors. The key to reliable detection lies in using the right sensor type, setting the correct sensitivity, and performing regular safety tests.

For facilities where children or pets frequently pass through, it’s wise to consult with a qualified door technician to configure the system for maximum safety and compliance.