Automatic gates are used to control access into a secured area. Most commonly, automatic gates are used at the entrance to the facility and are used to control vehicular access on and off of the site. For example, a manufacturing plant may use an automatic gate at its main entrance.

An electric gate opener makes the gate open and close when receiving an electric impulse created by a remote control, a keypad or a sensor device that is mounted in the driveway. The operator opens the gate by swinging it inwards and keep it open for sometime to allow traffic.