My understanding was that they (Jews) fitted these things specifically so that they didn't have to do any work (i.e. flick a switch) on the Sabbath?
In Israel, hotels catering for people that strictly adhere to the belief of no work on the Sabbath have them in all the rooms. Also, elevators stop and open their doors on each floor automatically so that the poor souls don't have to press a button to call it or request a floor when they get in.
Don't get me started on meat and dairy restaurants...