Rising to the Challenge: Emerging Elevator Technologies Trends to Watch
New technology touches everything that surrounds us, but what about the humble elevator? With the simple task of moving people inside a building, elevator technologies are being reimagined to provide passengers with exceptional building experiences. Innovations that use new smart tech to save time, money, and increase safety are making their mark on the elevator industry. If you are curious to see what lifts are getting up to, read on for some of the latest developments.
Eco-Friendly Elevators
Today’s eco-friendly elevators make use of efficient gearless motor systems that reduce an elevator’s energy consumption by more than 50%. Steel ropes are replaced by lightweight, PU-coated steel belts that operate lubrication-free. Lubricant is replaced by the use of roller guides.
In-cab sensors allow the elevator to ‘hibernate’ when not in use. They do this by turning off lights, music, video screens, and slowing the ventilations system. Energy recovery systems that repurpose the energy used in other parts of the building are being designed. All these small changes contribute to a greener building operation.
Multi-Directional Lifts
With buildings expanding in all directions, a traditional lift that moves people vertically is no longer enough. To service the trend toward modern urbanization, elevator technology has been developed that takes passengers horizontally, too. These elevators run without cables using linear motor technology, effectively reducing time and energy consumption.
Space-Saving Outdoor Elevators
For buildings with limited internal space, an outdoor elevator is a sleek solution. Designed to complement the aesthetics of the building, an outdoor elevator is an appealing addition to a building, while meeting a practical need. Built without a hoistway wall, these elevators come with a preventative system for the safety of the passengers.
Elevator maintenance contracts are part of ensuring safety for all elevators, indoor and out, but can be tricky to navigate. Using a system like AuditMate can simplify the process.
No-Touch Smart Elevators
A sanitary alternative to pushing buttons or a touchscreen, the no contact lift makes use of digitized elevator technology that works without touch. Passengers use an app on their mobile phones, scan a QR code and make their floor selection on their own device. This is a forward-thinking solution especially in buildings that cater to large, diverse crowds.
Another type of smart elevator allows you to select the floor you want before directing you to an elevator that services certain floors. This gets passengers to their floor with the least number of stops possible and increases the efficiency of all the building’s elevators.
Elevator Technologies
Elevators have come a long way since the early days of a basic frame hauled up using a rope. With modern buildings growing and accommodating more people than before, elevator technologies are adapting fast to keep up with demand. The latest additions to how lifts work make them quicker, safer, and more efficient.
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