Elevators: New Innovations and Technological Advancements

March 19, 2019
Elevators
3 min read

Smart Elevator technology is on the rise! Over 12 million elevators are in operation around the globe, which move over a billion people each day. This makes elevators the most frequently used mode of transport in the world – well ahead of cars, planes, or any other mode of transportation.

In the past few years, we have witnessed many innovations that are transforming the way elevators operate as well as how elevators are serviced. Artificial intelligence, connected systems, and smart elevators are just the beginning of what will lead to more out-of-the-box technological innovation.

Here are 3 major advancements from the last couple of years.

1.Smart Elevators

Similar to other technology we use everyday, like televisions and phones, elevators are also becoming more high-tech. Skyscrapers continue to grow in number and in height making it necessary for elevator manufacturers and contractors to adjust the safety and speed of elevators in order to keep up. Smart elevators have brought big changes to the industry.

What is a smart elevator? A smart elevator uses technology to create a more efficient way of moving passengers, especially during high traffic hours in busy buildings. Smart elevators can even be programmed to operate in different ways at different times throughout the day. For example, a passenger pushes a button in order to set his destination. Then, an indicator directs them to a specific elevator that will transport him to that specific floor the fastest. This results not only in much faster and better organized service, but also a decrease in overall travel time and a reduction in energy consumption.

2. Internet of Things (IoT)

Connectivity is the future of elevators, and it won’t be long before internet-connected elevators become the norm.

How do they work? Elevators that work alongside the internet have sensors that gather data about usage and other factors such as wear and tear on parts and machinery on the elevator car. These devices are now making predictive maintenance easier, cheaper and less labor-intensive for elevator service providers. The information is retained on a cloud-based platform where it is then processed and analyzed to predict if, and when, maintenance will be needed. The information on the cloud could also predict future problems allowing elevator technicians to make repairs before there is a bigger issue/breakdown. As a result, the vertical transportation industry is starting to take advantage of the technology to help maintain these expensive assets with a high cost of failure.

3. Augmented Reality Diagnosis

There are thousands of different configurations and millions of parts for elevators, but with augmented reality, technicians can dig into the problems on site more quickly and safely. Before a technician even gets to the site he or she can get familiarized with the machine room layout, zoom in and out and learn how it all fits together. This new technology can give technicians the ability to look at a component and see a catalog of its parts right in their field of view.

There are major innovations and advancements happening in the elevator industry. Every year is bigger and better. With technology evolving, elevators, and the way they are maintained, will continue to evolve too. Who knows what will be new in the elevator industry by 2030.

FIELDBOSS stays current on industry trends to keep you informed on what’s happening in the elevator world. Read our blog and sign up for our newsletter for all the latest news.

#artificialintelligence #elevatorsoftware #smartelevators #IoT #augmentedreality #ElevatorIndustryTrends