Yes, springs are always going to be required. The garage door opener is only designed to open and close a properly balanced garage door.
The weight of the garage door would be too much for the garage door opener to operate. It can also be dangerous to operate a garage door without the proper garage door springs because the springs hold the weight of the garage door and keep it from slamming to the ground.
The bottom-line is this; the springs are one of the most important elements in the correct and safe operation of garage doors. If you have any issues with your garage door, and reside in the Greater Cincinnati area, give us a call at (513) 821-5095.