A system for controlling the opening and closing operation of a sliding door wherein at least two presence sensing detectors are disposed effective to cast beams in overlapping relation to one another and extending across the pathway of the door to be controlled, and manual means or motion detecting detectors effective to provide for the initiation of movement of the door to open position. Furthermore programmed computer means are included in the system for the controlled sequencing and pulsing of the presence sensing beams in the opening and closing operation of the door.