The last couple of years have been very busy in the elevator industry, thanks to growth in construction, ridership and new innovations that have changed the way elevators function and how they can be serviced. From smart to “green” elevators, many advancements have recently been made.
Smart Elevators
Just like smart phones and TVs, elevators are getting pretty high-tech, prompting elevator manufacturers to make adjustments in speed and safety. What exactly is a smart elevator? When a passenger presses a button for the floor they wish to visit, an indicator directs them to a specific elevator that will handle the task the fastest.
Such advanced routing will more efficiently move passengers, particularly during high-traffic hours in busy hotels, high rises, apartments and office buildings. They can even be programmed to operate in different ways at certain periods throughout a given day.
In the same vein, Internet-connected elevators are leading the way in elevator innovation as well. This technology works by sending real-time alerts to building managers about a problem that is just starting to develop. This is designed to save money and time on repairs. Sensors gather the data about factors such as usage that can impact wear and tear on parts. The information is sent to a cloud-based platform for processing and analysis so companies can predict when maintenance will be needed.
In addition, some aspects of elevator functionality could be remotely operated.
Virtual Reality Diagnostics
Virtual reality headsets can change the way mechanics perform elevator repairs, allowing them to diagnose a problem without having to risk their safety by climbing several floors or hanging from a lift shift. The mechanic simply puts the glasses on, using hand motions to explore the engine and individual parts in more depth. You can also widen the view in order to complete a virtual “walk through” to see what needs to be repaired or replaced.
Green Elevators
Green elevators not only save on energy consumption, but they also save on the materials, processes, and technologies that are used. Plus, savings can be experienced on interior paints, flooring, lighting, control panels and HVAC systems. Some features include:
- Machine-room-less (MRL) technology
- Gearless traction design
- Drive systems to recover and regenerate energy
- Precision traffic control
- Computerized systems to reduce light-load trips
- In-cab sensors and software that will go into sleep mode when not in use, such as music, video, lighting and ventilation
- Destination dispatch control software to batch elevator stop requests
As we await the next wave of emerging technologies for elevators, we can look forward to even faster units and to destination controls that can better answer passenger demands. Here at Mowrey Elevator, we pride ourselves on our state-of-the-art machinery, technology and best practices. If you require a repair or are interested in a new model, contact us today.