Seek to improve performance, passenger experience

Otis is working with leading technology providers to transform its business and the industry, with innovation that better connects people, products and customers to one another. The next generation approach is more than just new technology or a single piece of equipment – it represents a commitment by the entire Otis team to combine movement and connectivity in new and exciting ways, and it aligns with the goals of the smart cities initiative, says Sebi Joseph, President, Otis India.

How can you aid making better smart cities?
As urbanisation drives the increased need for housing, the need for smart and efficient technologies to support growth will become a must. In the case of elevators, this means working with increasingly complex technology. There is an increasing demand for ‘green’ elevators, such as Otis’ Gen2 elevator with ReGen drive, which captures energy that would otherwise be wasted by the elevator and feeds it back into the building’s power grid. The Otis Gen2 elevator and ReGen drive combine to reduce energy consumption by up to 75 per cent under normal operating conditions, compared to conventional systems with non-regenerative drives. Otis’ flagship products, the Gen2 range, are focused on efficiency while providing environmentally responsible features and benefits. Otis has sold more than 700,000 Gen2 elevators worldwide since its launch.

What are the latest trends in elevators in this area?
AT&T will be the primary mobility provider for Otis field operations and will provide technology to aggregate data from multiple cell networks creating ‘conduit’ to an Otis data cloud. Microsoft will provide its cloud technology, data analytics and a CRM system. Combined, these two new partners will provide the connectivity to create data, a place to store the data and the capability to analyse the data. The results will provide benefits to Otis engineers, mechanics and customers, with the goal of increased unit running time.

Discuss about the latest technology in the space.
The Indian E&E industry is growing at a rapid pace. Hence we are altering our service business worldwide in order to integrate smart and connected technology. Our key investment focus areas include digital tools, mobility solutions, apps, Internet of Things (IoT), customer centricity and enhance employee engagement. Otis is working on developing ‘smart’ elevators. A smart elevator is a connected elevator capable of communicating with passengers, building managers, service staff and other building systems to improve the passenger experience and elevator performance, especially through improved elevator maintenance.

We think the next developments in elevator technology will leverage this digitalisation. Existing Otis technologies such as the CompassPlus destination management system, which constantly evaluates real-time passenger traffic to improve flow and travel time in busy mid- and high-rise buildings are the start of this trend. To continue it, Otis is working with leading IT providers, including Microsoft and AT&T to develop its digital platform to enable its connected elevators of the future.

Specific to the construction industry, Otis introduced the SkyBuild elevator, an internal construction elevator for high-rise projects that’s now available globally. The unique technology enables the elevator to climb one floor at a time as the building rises. Each jump can be accomplished between shifts, reducing the impact on other trades. And once construction is complete, the elevator goes directly into service as a SkyRise elevator. It gets crews and materials where they need to be quickly and safely, without a crane, without an external lift and without exposure to the weather.

We are altering our service business worldwide in order to integrate smart and connected technologies.
Sebi Joseph, President, Otis India

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