Sebi Joseph
President, Otis India
How is the market for elevators and escalators transforming in India?
Being a part of the Indian elevator and escalator industry since 1892, Otis has witnessed first-hand remarkable transformation of the sector over the decades, evolving rapidly with the changing landscape and infrastructural requirements of the country.
At present, the industry is witnessing unprecedented growth, driven by several macroeconomic factors. India is experiencing increased urbanization. The real estate sector is expected to reach a market size of $1 trillion by 2030, as per a report by NAREDCO. This rapid expansion of the real estate market requires advanced and efficient vertical transportation solutions that can facilitate seamless movement within buildings. Today, elevators and escalators are being built with connected IoT solutions, cloud-based APIs, and robust AI algorithms to enhance their capabilities, safety, performance, and contribution to smarter cities. The industry is also investing in designing products that meet evolving customer and passenger needs.
What are the latest trends in residential and commercial sector for elevators?
As urbanization accelerates and lifestyle evolves, the residential and commercial real estate sectors are experiencing dynamic shifts that are shaping the trends in elevators to align with contemporary demands and aspirations of sustainable, technologically advanced, as well as modern and aesthetically superior products.
In the residential sector, homebuyers are seeking more than just functional elevators; they are looking for smart, efficient, customized, and aesthetically pleasing solutions that integrate seamlessly into their living spaces. As homes become increasingly compact and urban lifestyles demand versatility, the design and technology of residential elevators are evolving to meet these needs.
Simultaneously, in the commercial sector, businesses are prioritizing safety, sustainability, and enhanced user experiences. Modern commercial buildings are not just places of work, they are becoming smart ecosystems that leverage technology to improve operational efficiency and user comfort. This shift is driving the adoption of advanced elevator systems that can integrate with broader building management technologies, support high-traffic, heavy-loads, and meet rigorous safety standards while helping to reduce energy use. The demand for quick construction and retrofitting of existing buildings is also leading to a rise in modular and prefabricated elevator systems.
What are the key innovations in your product range for better user experience?
Innovation is at the core of everything we do at Otis, and our latest range of elevators and escalators is a testament to that commitment. We are not just moving people between floors; we are transforming their experience at every step of the journey.
Our cutting-edge elevators are backed by OtisONETM, an IoT solution that connects them to the cloud and delivers a seamless passenger experience by enabling real-time intelligence, visibility into portfolio performance for our customers and our teams, predictive maintenance, and the resolution of some issues remotely and swiftly.
Otis elevators can also be interconnected with Compass360®, our proprietary destination management system with intuitive screens that guide passengers smoothly through their journey. Equipped with SmartGrouping technology, the system clusters passengers by their desired destination and acts as a virtual concierge directing them to an assigned elevator that minimizes waiting and ride time. The system can also be linked to the Otis eCall™ app, which allows passengers to call remotely for an elevator, time its arrival, increase door opening time, and much more, thus facilitating a touchless experience.
We have launched over 25 products for the Indian market and continually building on our innovation journey are our Engineering and Lead Design Centres in India.
How does safety play a major role in your range of elevators & escalators? What are the new-age safety features?
We are in the life-safety business, and we never take shortcuts. The safety of our colleagues, customers, and passengers is always our priority, and it is a cornerstone of all Otis products, influencing every aspect of design, installation, and maintenance. Globally, we move 2.3 billion people every day and maintain the industry’s largest portfolio with approximately 2.3 million customer units worldwide – we have a global team of 42,000 field professionals.
With the integration of modern safety features, we are not only enhancing user protection but also responding to today’s challenges and expectations. One such solution is our OTISLINE® call centre, which allows customers to directly get in touch with trained experts at any point in time for a resolution to all sorts of operational issues. Going the extra mile to make our customers feel reassured in the event of an emergency, our Otis eViewTM in-car display allows them to connect with the OTISLINE® customer support center via video. As we continue to innovate, our commitment to safety will remain unwavering, ensuring that our elevators and escalators provide secure and reliable transportation for all passengers.
What kind of further growth are you expecting from the market?
At Otis India, we have doubled our orders over the last two years and have seen double-digit growth across metrics.
Looking ahead, the market is likely to see the integration of more advanced technologies such as machine learning and big data analytics, further enhancing operational efficiency and user satisfaction. The focus on smart cities will drive demand for integrated vertical transportation solutions that contribute to the holistic management of urban infrastructure and ensure that Indian elevators and escalators are on par with evolving global standards. Additionally, the increasing focus on safety standards and premium, user-friendly experiences will further accelerate demand. This surge presents a significant opportunity for companies to innovate and cater to a fast-evolving market that values efficiency, sustainability, and user-experience.
How are you gearing up for meeting the customer needs?
At Otis, we don’t just respond to demand; we anticipate it. By consistently investing in technology, sustainability, safety, and customer experience, we are shaping the future of vertical mobility and setting new industry standards for excellence.
We launched the industry-first, e-commerce initiative enabling customers located anywhere in India to configure their elevator, choose their aesthetics and place an order online. Today, our Gen3 Nova and Prime elevators are available on this platform and catering
to a strong residential customer base.
With the Gen3 connected elevators, we are taking our service to the next level by harnessing the power of IOT and digital platforms.
Otis Create is a digital tool that allows our customers to visualise and design their own elevators, just with a click of a button. This interactive tool allows them to go through a wide range of aesthetics and pick their style in sync with their building or environment.
Otis Integrated Dispatch™ is an API (Application Programming Interface) solution for integrating autonomous service robots with Otis elevators. It enables these robots to interface seamlessly with our elevators. This means the robot can call the elevator, select its destination and efficiently enter and exit the car without the help of a human.
Our goal is to continue delivering innovations that redefine what it means to move, with a commitment to giving people freedom to connect and thrive in a taller, faster, smarter world.
