We are looking forward to developing future focused technologies.

The aim is for Otis to be able to offer the integrated solutions our customers.

- Sebi Joseph, President, Otis India

Otis is an iconic brand with a rich history in the elevators and escalators space. The company boasts of many industry firsts that have steadily improved elevator performance, enriched the passenger experience and allowed architects to design buildings in entirely new ways. Otis pioneered the elevator safety brake over 167 years ago and has introduced many innovations along that way that have transformed cities and the way that people move. In an exclusive chat with Construction Times, Sebi Joseph, President, Otis India shares his views on the changing trends in the vertical transportation space. Excerpts from the interview…

How the transformative impact ofIoT and AI, Big Data analytics are being reflected in your production / processes / products and solutions?

We have built a powerful digital ecosystem that allows us to manage maintenance history, account details and other data in real time, so when customers ask about a support issue, we can confidently provide solutions that are transparent and accurate up to the minute.

For our field professionals, this information is tied to smartphone apps. Most Otis field professionals now use smart phones loaded with custom apps to help them perform their job more efficiently. These digital tools help employees to diagnosis and fix issues faster than before.

Regarding sensors and data, we are harnessing the power of data analytics, machine learning and cloud computing to predict and prevent shutdowns, as well as prescribe service. With this we are able to analyse trends on our hundreds of thousands of connected elevators to create advanced algorithms that can predict performance trends.

With remote monitoring and predictive analytics, we can concentrate resources on the elevators that most need attention. In the old days, we would send a field professional out to check an elevator for routine, scheduled maintenance. This meant we were checking a number of elevators that didn't necessarily require servicing. Now, instead of our customers having to call us about an equipment issue, we are able alert them before they are even aware of any potential problem.

How the impact of technology has revolutionised the design aspects of the car?  Is there a shift towards using carbon fibre ropes instead of conventional steel ropes? 

Our global flagship Gen2 technology elevators have replaced traditional steel ropes, with flat and smooth polyurethane belts which offers multiple benefits. It is up to 20% lighter, and lasts up to 3 times longer than conventional ropes. Its flexibility which lends to a smaller bending radius has allowed for a smaller and compact gearless machine. This has allowed for the machine to be up to 70% smaller than conventional machines. Its smooth surface requires little oilor grease making it better for the environment. Additionally, unlike the conventional wire ropes that require periodic visual examinations, the belts are monitored 24/7 to check for any anomaly, thanks to the Pulse™ monitoring system that is attached to one end of the belts.

From a design perspective, the smaller machine allows for freeing up space allowing for more rentable space and reduced constructions costs.

How do you asses the next wave of development in elevator technology?

I believe that the next developments in elevator technology will leverage digitalization. Existing Otis technologies such as our Compass™ Destination Management System, which constantly evaluates real-time passenger traffic to improve flow and travel time in busy mid- and high-rise buildings, are at the start of this trend.

Additionally, I find more customers requesting energy efficient equipment options such as power standby mode. At Otis, we are meeting this call with products like our Gen2^® elevators featuring the ReGen^® drive. These energy-saving units recycle energy and provide clean power for other building systems to use. They are up 75 percent more energy efficient than traditional elevators with conventional drives.

As urbanisation drives the increased need for housing, the need for smart and efficient technologies to support growth is a must. As of August 2020, the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) has 7.17 billion sq. ft of registered real estate under development as 'Green'. This constitutes over 5,918 registered projects. Developers and building owners are becoming environmentally conscious and thereby aim for green certifications like LEED and others. We see the Gen2 elevator as a way of supporting this growth.

Leveraging disruptive technologies like IoT, AI etc how do you ensure increased safety and security, improved energy efficiency?

Otis is undergoing a global service transformation that is largely focused on empowering its service teams as well as customers with more information and communication.

Otis is doing that by:

-  Empowering field professionals with iPhones that will help increase efficiency, expertise and capabilities

-  Placing sensors on some elevators that can collect data and offer real time updates on the elevator's performance

-  Providing customers access to transparent and real-time data on their elevator's performance

This same information is tied to apps used by field professionals. Instead of receiving a service call and arriving with little-to-no information, they will be notified about the issue and have a better understanding of potential solutions. Additional equipment performance insights for field professionals help them arrive on site ready with the tools and parts needed to get equipment up and running faster.

Advanced modelling enables us to assign elevator predictive modelling, and health scores ensure our customers can see more about their equipment health to help plan for future maintenance costs.

We are harnessing the power of data analytics, machine learning and cloud computing to understand elevator health prescribe service. With this we are able to analyse trends on our hundreds of thousands of connected elevators to create advanced algorithms that can predict performance trends.

What is the impact of the same on crowd management, especially improving passenger experience?

In my perspective, the number one opportunity to improve the passenger experience is to reduce wait times. The need to deliver a faster and more efficient passenger journey comes in as a close second. We address and balance these two components through CompassPlus™ destination dispatching to optimize time to destination and support more predictable waiting times. 

With conventional dispatch, any passenger can get in any elevator and go to their floor regardless of destination because you must be in the cabin to register your destination. The system becomes probabilistically oriented, because it knows your direction in advance with the pushing of the up or down button, but it doesn't know where you want to go until you actually press a floor button.

In destination dispatching, users tell the system where they want to go before they get in the elevator.  As a result, the system performs is optimized because it has more information sooner.  More information sooner is just part of the equation for faster service.  Our dispatching experts use destination data to fully optimize the system response through advanced algorithms aimed at optimizing performance based on customer preferences. The focus may be: wait time, minimizing the call each car gets, time to destination, etc.  Whatever metric is chosen as the primary focus the dispatching parameters can be tuned to best meet this criteria.  It is always better to have multiple people at a stop by combining all calls to any given floor and keeping the stops close together to maximize efficiency and save time. 

Brief us on the measures taken to support your customers during this crisis and what innovative, value-added products / service support solutions you have added / aim to add?

Otis is helping customers around the world prepare for the safe reopening and continued maintenance of their buildings. Touchless technologies are especially attractive options in this current environment. One example of touchless technology is the Otis eCall™ app.

The app enables passengers to use their cell phone as their personal elevator call button and call an eCall-equipped elevator when approaching it. This helps minimize use of public access elevator buttons. The eCall app also gives building managers the flexibility to provide easy access for passengers. This will offer passengers a more seamless experience within their respective buildings.

In addition to our touchless technology offerings, we also offer elevator and escalator purification products and services for customers. Some examples of these include:

Elevator Purification Fans: Elevators can be retrofitted with a fan technology that can inactivate microorganisms and filter dust within the cab. The fan integrates an ion generator and ultraviolet lamp to kill germs and filter dust within the cab.

Handrail Sanitizers: Fitted on handrails the module is designed to remove germs using ultraviolet light.

Brief us on R&D and what are the latest in-built design / operational features you are excited about?

Urbanization is the main driver for cities and the buildings, and elevators are the spine of a building. We are looking forward to developing future focused technologies as we move ahead and more particularly our IOT systems and service digitalization. A lot of our research is currently focused on advancing our products including eCall, Otis One, cloud-based technologies, mobile applications and other digital offerings for Otis teams and customers across the world. The aim is for Otis to be able to offer the integrated solutions our customers expect and need in today's connected urban world.

How do you foresee the future product / market / technology trends and could you brief us the road map?

The future is digital for all industries and the elevator industry is no different. Otis is developing 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. This is often referred to as a 'smart elevator.'

I believe that the next developments in elevator technology will leverage digitalization. Existing Otis technologies such as our   Compass™ Destination Management System, which constantly evaluates real-time passenger traffic to improve flow and travel time in busy mid- and high-rise buildings, are at the start of this trend.

At Otis we are also seeing a shift in the way customers evaluate elevator aesthetics. Previously, customers designed their elevator interiors using a menu of colours, materials and finishes made available to them. Today, customers are turning towards theme-based interiors with a package of fixtures designed to be complementary.

Theme-based interiors provide a more contemporary look and save customers the hassle of trying to match finishes themselves. The future of aesthetics will probably develop to accommodate a desire to have refreshed interiors regularly.

Why should a customer opt for solutions from Otis Elevators?

Otis pioneered the elevator safety brake over 167 years ago and has introduced many innovations along that way that have transformed cities and the way that people move. Otis' global presence ensures consistent quality, safety and service, backed by engineering centres and test towers around the world. Otis has ISO (International Standard Organisation)-certified factories on four continents including one at Bengaluru, that manufacture a range of products to satisfy our customer needs. Our global presence also enables us to offer the highest levels of personalized service, delivered by 40,000 field professionals worldwide.

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