Quote Originally Posted by Jonathan View Post
Designing a linear motor, in an arc shape, to embed in the floor would be a fun way to do it ...

The attractive forces between the armature and stator could be problematic (i.e. very rigid hinges required), but perhaps it could be a core-less motor to mitigate that. Line of magnets in the floor and a couple of coils on the door perhaps...
Fun but not practical with an engineered wood floor.., the hinges are easily up to the job. Equally you could have a curved section of r&p and a motor attached to the door, but aesthetically its crap...