Our Story
"If people have to work around a piece of technology, it’s the wrong solution."
- Mike Soniat, Founder & CEO
Why We Started
When a close friend opened up about the daily challenges of moving through their home, ODR Founder Mike Soniat recognized a problem hiding in plain sight: many assistive technologies were costly, difficult to install, and limited to a single location.
So, he did what any engineer does: he got to work.
Determined to create something better, Mike spoke with others facing similar challenges and developed the earliest prototype of what would become DOOR-E™. Along the way, he partnered with fellow engineer Wayne Newitts to imagine a different kind of solution—one designed to fit naturally into everyday life.
That idea became Open Door Robotics. Today, the team is preparing to launch DOOR-E™, a portable smart door assistant designed to make accessibility simpler, more flexible, and more practical.
Open Door Robotics
Open Door Robotics creates assistive technology designed to make everyday life easier. Founded on the belief that technology should adapt to people, we build solutions that are intuitive, accessible, and designed to remove barriers wherever life takes you.
Founders
Mike Soniat, Founder & CEO
Mike Soniat is an entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience in electronic design, software development, and robotics. Throughout his career, he has developed award-winning connected technologies and built high-performing engineering teams for innovative startups. His passion for creating practical, human-centered solutions led to the development of DOOR-E and the founding of Open Door Robotics, with a mission to make everyday environments more accessible.
Wayne Newitts, Founder & COO
Wayne Newitts is an electrical engineer with more than 25 years of experience in product development, engineering management, and product marketing. He holds multiple patents in communication and control systems and has led product development and launches for industry leaders including Tektronix, Sage, and Trimble. As co-founder of Open Door Robotics, Wayne helps guide product development, strategic partnerships, and marketing strategy, helping innovative technologies like DOOR-E reach the people who need them most.