3 Technology Innovations in Elevators and Lifts

Aubrie Cortez, Sr Director, Technology & Automation, Jacobs

Technological innovations in the world of elevators and lifts mean it is an exciting time for the construction industry.

Most commercial buildings today have at least one elevator or lift, so innovation in this area is essential to making buildings smarter, efficient, and less expensive. Furthermore, as taller buildings are designed and built, the necessity of elevator and lift systems only increases. The major elevator manufacturers have started to rethink traditional elevator systems and are now pushing the envelope with technological innovations to address these requirements.

• Elevators on the Internet

Connectivity is the future of elevators. Internet-connected elevators are becoming more commonplace. The technology works by alerting firms to faults when they appear or are about to develop, allowing lift operators to save moneyand time on maintenance.  Sensors collect data about usage and other factors impacting wear and tear on parts and machinery. That data is then transferred to a cloud-based platform, where it is analyzed to predict when maintenance might be required. Accurately predicting future issues could enable the elevator technicians to make maintenance before there is a breakdown. Another advantage is that companies would be able to service some aspects of elevators remotely, saving money and time when maintenance is needed.

• Virtual Reality Diagnostics

A pioneering manufacturer is developing a virtual reality headset that might alter the way mechanics do elevator maintenance. These devices enable mechanics to identify a problem without climbing tens of floors or dangling in a lift. Once the mechanic puts the glasses on, they can use hand motions to go close-up and find the engine and individual parts. The view can also be extended, enabling the mechanic to do a virtual walk-through, looking for places where maintenances or replacement are required.

• Green Elevators

Interest in saving power remains high in the real estate and construction industry. Green buildings are built to use less energy, and the trend has extended to elevators as well. It connects to power consumption and the materials, processes, and technologies leveraged, as well as interior paints, flooring, control panels, lighting, and HVAC systems.