Around 55% of the world’s population currently live in cities. And according to the World Bank, by 2050, about 70% of people in the world will live in cities.
The nature of urbanisation is a complex topic that varies greatly across different markets. A deep understanding of each market’s needs is critical to designing optimal solutions. Henrik Ehrnrooth, President and CEO of KONE Corporation, believes that focusing on improvements for people is the way to create real value. He notes how certain demographics’ choices in Europe and the United States are clearly shifting:
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An ageing population is moving closer to cities to gain easier access to amenities.
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There is rising demand for single-person housing as the younger generation trends towards living alone in cities.
While ensuring clean, safe, and livable spaces in increasingly populous areas is placing pressure on a multitude of considerations, it also brings great opportunities for advancement.
For the wider elevator industry, rising to the challenges of smart urbanisation means intelligent, resilient, sustainable infrastructure, with comprehensive safety measures, that gets passengers from A to B smoothly, at scale.
So, what are some of the implications of this? And how can you future-proof your production and validate urban mobility needs?
Growth fuels innovation
With international and European quality standards at an all time high, intelligence, eco-efficiencies, and sustainability solutions are evolving and improving at speed. Groundbreaking advancements such as the electrically powered, machine-room-less elevator and the high speed cableless elevator that moves both vertically and horizontally, point to a promising future for buildings and infrastructure. Elevator manufacturers investing in future operating models up front avoid the potential setback of unexpected timescales.
Topical considerations for customers
In line with the E2 Forum Frankfurt 2022 Program, while the same logistical and technical concerns that have always existed still do, customers are paying more attention to advances in certain factors. These include cyber-security, the place of the elevator in building design, digital infrastructure challenges and solutions, integration of elevators in modern buildings, maintenance and testing, barrier-free access and construction in existing structures, data interfaces to buildings, smart cities, and sustainability.
On a more experiential level, customers remain focused on noise alleviation, ventilation, fire protection measures, the aesthetic impact of elevators, as well as the overall passenger experience for the people using them daily.
Keeping up or staying ahead
There are great opportunities for those taking early action. As outlined in a recent report by Roland Berger, the latest installation and maintenance technologies offer the potential to significantly reduce costs as well as set elevator manufacturers up to realise those currently lofty future visions. Here are three recommendations:
1. Drone-assisted installation and maintenance: remote surveillance and electronically recorded measurements are up to 26% more time efficient, along with up to 11% reduction in costs.
2. Predictive maintenance: smart elevators are fast becoming the norm. Leveraging IoT to identify issues before they happen results in up to 19% less downtime and far faster repairs.
3. Augmented reality: raise your service efficiency by ensuring high precision in complex installations and measurements.
Changing environments, systems, and digitalisation are driving the future of elevators, while technological developments create opportunities to elevate the design of urbanisation. Adhesive solutions in particular can enhance the elevator design and production process. Click here to learn about tesa® bonding solutions for the elevator industry.
We have also created a guide unpacking the latest trends in modern elevator design. To get your free copy click below:
