TK Elevator is a leading player in the industry, leveraging cutting-edge technology to elevate efficiency and safety in elevator systems.

Manish Mehan

CEO & MD, TK Elevator India

How is your company leveraging technology to enhance the efficiency and safety of elevator systems?

TK Elevator is a leading player in the industry, leveraging cutting-edge technology to elevate both efficiency and safety in elevator systems. Our approach integrates advanced technologies with innovative solutions to enhance operational performance and ensure user safety.

Our elevators are equipped with a host of safety features such as overload protection, door safety curtain, machine overheat protection, unintended movement detection, door lock bypass, rescue operation system, advanced emergency communication systems including intercoms and emergency call buttons, automatic rescue devices, etc.– plus assorted other features that comply with local and international safety standards to ensure safe and comfortable ride for passengers
and staff.

What role does design play in the development of elevator solutions that integrate seamlessly with architectural aesthetics?

At TK Elevator, customer-centricity is in everything we do. This is also reflected in our product design and development. We have won five Red Dot design awards since becoming an independent company in 2020, covering areas such as our brand, our product, and interface design concepts. Our elevator solutions offer ample design and customization options, for example interior finishes, COP and cab designs.

Elevators are integral to the architectural experience of a building. A vastly customizable elevator ensures that the mobility system blends with the building’s overall aesthetic, whether that’s a sleek modern look, classic style, or something more avant-garde. This involves choosing finishes, colors, and materials that complement the building’s interior and exterior.

Beyond aesthetics, design impacts user experience. Smooth, intuitive controls and comfortable interiors contribute to a positive experience, while the visual design ensures the elevator is a pleasant part of the architectural environment.

What measures does your company take to ensure elevator safety and compliance with global standards and regulations?

TK Elevator adheres to rigorous safety and compliance standards to ensure our elevators meet global regulations and provide safe and reliable transportation. TK Elevator invests in research and development to continually enhance the safety and efficiency of its products. Rigorous quality control measures are employed throughout the design, manufacturing, and installation processes. This ensures that all our elevator components meet high-quality standards and function reliably.

How do smart and connected elevator systems contribute to building efficiency and user convenience?

Smart and connected elevator systems contribute to building efficiency by optimizing traffic flow, reducing energy consumption, and enhancing maintenance practices. For users, these systems offer increased convenience through personalized settings, real-time updates, and improved accessibility and security.

Smart elevators use algorithms to predict traffic patterns and optimize elevator dispatch, reducing wait times and improving efficiency. For example, TKE's "MAX", a cutting-edge solution for predictive and preventive maintenance improves remote monitoring capabilities and greatly enhances the availability of elevators, reducing down-time caused by malfunctions, and older installations through retrofits. MAX brings alerts to possible maintenance problems before they happen, allowing elevator engineers to proactively replace parts and systems before they break. Its IoT-enabled smart technology offers remote control and monitoring, real-time maintenance actions, performance monitoring, and sophisticated reporting.

Our AGILE Destination Selection Control (DSC) improves system efficiency and passenger experience by effectively shortening wait and travel times. Compared to conventional elevator control systems, the AGILE DSC increases passenger handling capacity by up to 30%, minimizes passengers’ travel time to their destination and reduces crowding in lift lobbies.

What trends do you foresee shaping the future of elevator technology and design in the next decade?

The future of elevator technology and design is likely to be shaped by several key trends over the next decade. Here’s an overview of the most significant developments expected:

Increased connectivity and IoT integration:

•    Elevators will become increasingly integrated with smart building systems, allowing for seamless communication with other systems such as HVAC, lighting, and security. This integration will enhance operational efficiency and provide a more cohesive user experience.

•    Enhanced IoT connectivity will enable more sophisticated predictive maintenance solutions, using real-time data and machine learning algorithms to foresee potential issues before they require significant intervention.

Sustainability and energy efficiency:

•    The adoption of regenerative drives, energy-efficient components, and sustainable materials will increase. Elevators will increasingly focus on reducing their environmental impact, incorporating green technologies that minimize energy consumption and carbon footprints.

•    Innovations such as low-energy lighting and advanced control systems that optimize power usage during off-peak times will become standard.

Enhanced user experience:

•    Elevators will offer more personalized experiences, including customizable lighting, temperature controls, and user preferences stored and recalled via smart interfaces.

•    The trend toward touchless controls and voice-activated systems will continue, providing more hygienic and user-friendly interfaces.

Advanced safety and security:

•    Elevators will increasingly feature advanced safety systems, including real-time monitoring for emergencies, and automatic evacuation protocols.

•    Biometric systems for access control, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, will become more common, improving security and convenience.

Data analytics and AI:

•    The use of big data and artificial intelligence (AI) will drive new insights into elevator usage patterns, helping to optimize performance and user experience.

•    AI-driven algorithms will adapt elevator operations in real-time based on user behavior, traffic patterns, and building occupancy, leading to more efficient and responsive systems.

Accessibility and inclusivity:

•    Elevators will increasingly incorporate universal design principles to ensure accessibility for all users, including those with disabilities. This will involve more intuitive controls, improved audio and visual communication systems, and greater attention to diverse needs.

Urban and mixed-use development:

•    Elevators will be designed to meet the demands of mixed-use developments, where residential, commercial, and recreational spaces are combined. This will involve creating versatile systems that handle varied traffic patterns and usage requirements efficiently.

These trends indicate a move to ward more intelligent, efficient, and user-centered elevator systems, driven by advances in technology and a greater emphasis on sustainability and customization.