In Alexandria, Egypt, Hero of Alexandria also designed the first known automatic doors, using a system of ropes, pulleys, and a heat source. The mechanism worked by lighting a fire in a temple, which heated the air in a brass vessel, causing it to expand and push water into a bucket. The weight of the water would then pull a system of ropes and pulleys, opening the doors. This invention was a marvel of ancient engineering, showcasing the application of pneumatics and hydraulics to create automated movement. However, it remained a novelty for temples and was never adapted for practical, everyday use.

Hero's automatic doors represent the ancient world's fascination with automata and mechanical wonders, a theme that appears in Greek and Roman poetry and mythology. The idea of doors that opened by themselves would have seemed magical to the ancients, and it has inspired modern poets to reflect on the relationship between technology and the supernatural. The device also serves as a precursor to modern automation, making it a subject of interest for poets who explore the impact of technology on human life and the concept of the 'uncanny valley.'