Digital and connected systems are ingrained in our modern industry and in our lifestyles, and there is no exception for vertical transport. Here I look at 5 interesting ways that advanced technology is making a unique impact on lifts and escalators.
1. AI camera safety monitoring of escalators
What if an escalator system could detect a passenger who had fallen, and safely stop an escalator? In a research paper published by Yantai Luo of Mitsubishi Elevator Corporation, Luo describes the risks in places such as the Shanghai Metro which serves more than 30 million passengers per day, and how real-time video analysis can be used to detect and shut down escalators in the event of a passenger falling.
It makes me wonder where this technology could take us. Could we also detect falling suitcases, strollers, young children playing, and other misuse on escalators? With technology rapidly advancing these advanced solutions are a real possibility. With lifts, AI video analysis could detect passengers in a busy elevator lobby approaching in wheelchairs or using visual impairment aids such as a guide dog or cane. The lift system could then apply considerations to the door timings and voice annunciation accommodations.
Read the full paper here, and see the topic presented by Richard Peters on YouTube at the 2020 Lift & Escalator Symposium
Link: Research of Real Time Video Monitoring and Remote Control System of Escalators (liftescalatorlibrary.org)
Link: Research of Real Time Video Monitoring and Remote Control System of Escalators – YouTube
2. Germany mandates lift cybersecurity risk assessments
Many modern lifts feature internet and Ethernet connectivity as part of their control, monitoring and external communication systems, and with that comes the risk that equipment can be hacked and manipulated by bad actors, causing disruption and potential safety threats. It’s not just new equipment that is affected, often older lifts are retrofitted with modern communication and diagnostic equipment which requires robust security.
In March 2023 the legislator in Germany decided on a new technical rule for operational safety in TRBS 1115-1 requiring elevator operators to submit system specific documentation how their system has been assessed for cybersecurity risks, else risk an annual inspection defect.
This is a diligent and world leading approach, and such a requirement would come as a shock if implemented in many other places in the world. However, the risk of compromised equipment cannot be underestimated.
Read more here from TÜV (German language)
Link: Cybersecurity in elevators | TÜV SÜD (tuvsud.com)
3. Digital Twin
Many major manufacturers are investing heavily in R&D for Digital Twin systems, so what exactly is it? In short, a Digital Twin is a virtual replica of a real piece of equipment that can receive real time real-world information from sensors on the physical equipment and use this information to simulate its operation.
A virtual replica of the lift systems in a large commercial building could be used to anticipate maintenance requirements, equipment failures, the effects lift availability and building population on traffic performance, and provide insights into past and future energy usage. With machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies applied, this information can be used in ways not previously possible.
A Digital Twin allows these simulations to be far more accurate than using typical desktop modelling software with limited inputs, and I look forward to seeing the advancements that the industry brings to this space.
4. API
As part of the rapid adoption of IoT into the Vertical Transport industry, ways to communicate the increased availability of digital real-time information requires methods for that data to be integrated easily into other platforms.
Application Programming Interfaces (API) allow data points to be shared between systems and equipment, for example allowing a site building management system to incorporate not only the on-site live equipment status, but also data shared by the lift maintenance contractor’s back-end systems such as maintenance and repair schedules, technician dispatch status, and service tickets.
5. PESSRAL
Relying on software and digitally controlled components for critical safety functionality is not as commonly adopted in the lift industry as it is in other areas such as commercial aviation, but more of this equipment is emerging in the industry. Used carefully, these types of devices can offer advantages in safety, cost, and reliability. Traditionally systems such as brakes and safety gear required a primarily mechanical fail-safe activation, and other areas of controls typically employ electro-mechanical safety methods that cannot be compromised by digital equipment and software failures.
PESSRAL, or Programmable Electronic System in Safety Related Applications for Lifts were first allowed in an EN81-1/2 A1:2005 amendment intends to reflect the IEC 61508 standard for functional safety of programmable electronic safety related systems requiring a critical approach to design and implementation.
An example of this is the electronic safety gear shown by OTIS in their newly released Gen360 product, which features no traditional governor rope and mechanical safety system, instead the safety gear would be expected to electronically detect freefall and overspeed to trigger the application of the safety gear, mechanically gripping the rails to bring the lift to a rapid stop.
Let me know your thoughts
These are just some of the ways advanced technologies and integrations can shape the vertical transport industry. I’d love to hear what your thoughts are on the biggest gamechangers, and conversely the things that are big now and will be a passing fad like the 3D TV at home.
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