The increasing demand for office and housing spaces in urban and semi-urban areas has fueled the need for high-rise buildings with cutting-edge vertical transportation systems. As cities become increasingly crowded, the demand for efficient solutions for safe vertical movement has surged. According to a Research and Markets report, the elevator and escalator market in India is expected to grow by 8.9% CAGR from 2022 to 2027.
Although the rise in demand for commercial and residential spaces has contributed to good growthin vertical transportation systems, innovations in technology, such as artificial intelligence, cloud technology, and the Internet of Things, have revolutionised the elevator and escalator industry as a whole. Smart elevators, destination control systems, contactless elevator buttons, and elevator and escalator robotization, amongst others, have ushered in a new era for the sector.
Let’s delve deeper into the trends and innovations shaping the elevator and escalator industry:
Interactive panels: Gone are the days when there was a single button to navigate your way up and down the elevator. With the development of contemporary technology, interactive panels featuring touch screens and displays have found their way into lift cabins, improving the experience of passengers. These panels serve multiple purposes- from displaying information concerning the elevator speed, location, and capacity, to presenting advertisements and safety features such as emergency call buttons and fire alarms. In addition, these panels can also be outfitted with entertainment devices, like music or video players, to make commuting a more pleasant experience for users.
Tech-enabled maintenance: Elevators and escalators going down are undoubtedly the biggest nightmare for individuals, especially if they have to use the upper floors. However, the development of cloud computing and data analysis has made predictive monitoring and maintenance possible, allowing for the early detection of potential problems, minimising downtime, and adding to the lifespan of vertical transportation systems.
Automated processes: Ultimately, what matters most are the functionality, efficiency, and safety of vertical transportation systems. The incorporation of robotics and automation into elevators and escalators has not only enhanced the commuting experience for individuals but has also improved the operational efficiency and security of these systems. For instance, automated destination control systems have significantly enhanced the regulation of passenger flow, grouping passengers based on their destination floors to increase speed and efficiency and reduce travel time. In addition, another notable innovation, AI-powered contactless elevator buttons, aims to provide a hygienic transportation experience by allowing users to call the elevator without physical contact, thereby minimising the risk of spreading germs, bacteria, and potentially deadly diseases.
Elevator and escalator industry: Road ahead
With India’s population surpassing 1.4 billion, the demand for both commercial and residential spaces is set to rise.
This will necessitate more high-rise buildings and floors, driving the demand for elevators and escalators. In an effort to meet the growing demand, has led businesses operating in the elevator and escalator industry to harness the power of cutting-edge trends and innovations.
The emergence of smart elevators, destination control systems, contactless elevator buttons, and robotization in elevators and escalators has enabled businesses operating in the sector to target greater operational efficiency while facilitating improved consumer experience.
Moreover, as technology continues to advance, more such innovations are anticipated, further improving the functionality and safety of vertical transportation systems.
The author is the Managing Director of KONE Elevator- India & South Asia.