The Future of Elevators: Innovations Transforming Vertical Transportation

Modern elevator glass cabins

Elevators have been a part of our daily lives for over a century and have revolutionized how we move between different building levels. With the advancements in technology, the future of elevators looks even more promising, offering exciting new possibilities for vertical transportation. From smart elevators powered by AI, the future of elevators promises to be more efficient, safer, and more convenient than ever before.

Smart Elevators

An exciting development in elevators is the rise of smart elevators. Smart elevators are equipped with advanced sensors and systems that enable them to operate more efficiently and provide a more convenient experience for users.

Smart elevators are powered by artificial intelligence. They are equipped with sensors that can detect the presence of people and monitor the elevator’s performance and its systems. This data is then used to optimize the elevator’s performance, reducing energy consumption and improving overall efficiency.

One of the most significant benefits of intelligent elevators is the safety improvement. With real-time monitoring systems and biometric authentication, smart elevators can detect potential hazards and prevent accidents before they occur. Additionally, smart elevators can be programmed to automatically evacuate in an emergency, providing users a safer and more secure experience.

Elevators for the Disabled

Another area where technology is significantly impacting is the development of elevators that are more accessible for people with disabilities. Today, elevators are equipped with features such as voice-controlled buttons and Braille buttons, making them more accessible for people with visual impairments.

In the future, we can expect even more innovations to make elevators more accessible for people with disabilities. For example, new technologies are being developed that allow elevators to be controlled by voice commands or gestures, making them more accessible for people with physical disabilities. Additionally, elevators equipped with augmented reality systems can provide visual cues and instructions to help people with disabilities navigate the elevator and its controls.

High-Speed Elevators

Another exciting development in the field of elevators is the development of high-speed elevators. High-speed elevators are designed to travel at much faster speeds than traditional elevators, reducing the time it takes to move between different building levels.

High-speed elevators are made possible by advancements in cable materials, drive systems, and control algorithms. New materials, such as carbon fiber, provide the strength and stability required for high-speed elevators, while new drive systems and control algorithms ensure that the elevators operate smoothly and efficiently.

Keeping Your Elevators Clean and Safe During Coronavirus

Technician disinfecting buttons of the elevator

Protect your Elevator through Disinfectants 

Covid-19 has changed how we operate our businesses. One of the highest-traffic areas in our buildings is the elevator. Requiring people to push buttons and share confined spaces can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. In this blog, we’ll go over some ways to disinfect your elevators, keeping your patrons safe, while maintaining the integrity of your elevator’s electrical components. 

Covid-19 Protection and Cleaning Tips for Your Elevator

Necessary cleaning for your elevator includes:

  • Avoid bleach-based cleaner because bleach reacts badly to the Polycarbonate fixtures.
  • Avoid sponges because they may carry bacteria, and the excessive moisture may damage the elevator’s electronic components.
  • Do not spray cleaner directly on elevator components. Instead, spray the cleaner to a paper towel or cleaning rag then wipe down the elevator buttons. 
  • Avoid spraying alcohol-based cleaners directly onto elevator buttons as they can damage lacquered surfaces and plastic components. 

How to Clean the Elevator Sills and Tracks

Spills, dust, and debris collect in the tracks between the elevator doors at every landing in the building. Try using a vacuum to collect waste, then use a cleaner to wipe away smaller debris. Get in between the tracks in the door threads. Be sure the elevator is stopped and locked to prevent movement during the cleaning. 

How to Clean the Elevator Pit

Always be sure to contact a certified elevator technician before attempting to clean the elevator pit so that they can be sure the elevator is locked correctly. Trash, dust, and debris often fall through the elevator doors’ cracks and accumulate in the elevator pit. The accumulation of more considerable waste can, over time, affect the elevator’s moving parts. When a certified elevator technician has adequately locked the elevator, remove the more considerable waste from the elevator pit, then use a vacuum to remove the dust and debris. 

How to Clean Panel Buttons and Light Fixtures

Be sure to lock the elevator before cleaning the panel buttons to avoid accidental button presses. Then, use an antibacterial cleaner on the buttons, not spray the cleaner on the buttons directly. Follow up with a microfiber cloth to help remove trapped dust and other debris trapped in and around the buttons. You can also use the microfiber cloth to clean the light fixtures in the elevator. 

 

Don’t Overlook the Key Evacuation and Safety Proceedures for your Building. Hurricane-Proof your Elevator Today!

Palm trees and Hurricane winds
Floridians are well-versed in Hurricane preparedness, but one of the often overlooked and crucial safety procedures is making sure your building’s elevators are hurricane-ready. Hurricane season is here, don’t wait until it’s too late to take the necessary steps to secure your building. Water damage is costly, and if your elevator is out of commission, so is your building.

Here are the easy pre-storm checks that ECI America can perform to keep your elevator safe and dry.

  • Assume rising water will creep into your building’s elevator system. Stop elevator cabs in the center of the hoistway to prevent possible flooding and further damage.
  • Check alarms,  float switches, and pumps in elevator pits along with routine safety and maintenance checks.
  • Secure doors and hatches with weather stripping as well as choosing any vents or exposed openings to the outdoors.
  • Test emergency lights and emergency phones to be sure that safety features are working properly in the event of power surges and outages.
  • Check generators and auxiliary power supplies have adequate fuel and charges available in case of a power outage.
  • Did you know that there are a lot of upgrades that can be made to ensure your elevator isn’t affected by power outages? ECI has all of the parts and supplies you need to keep the heart of your building functional during a hurricane.