As urbanization accelerates and technologicaladvancements evolve, the demand for smart, efficient, and aestheticallypleasing elevators will only increase, writes Manish Mehan.

Elevators have come a long way since their inception. Initially,they were operated manually or by steam power and primarily used in theindustrial sector. The evolution of a simple pulley system to sophisticatedelectronic control has revolutionized the way we move between the floors.

This transformation has not only made our lives moreconvenient but also significantly influenced the shape of modern cities. Tallskyscrapers and dense commercial complexes are becoming more prevalent as urbanenvironments continue to change, largely due to the role of elevators invertical development. Elevators have become increasingly important, as they arenow necessary for effectively transferring people and commodities insidebuildings.

In India, rapid urbanization is projected to lead toover 600 million people living in cities by 2031, increasing demand forelevators. This growth is driven not only by the construction of new buildingsbut also by the modernization of existing structures, making elevators a vitalcomponent of the country’s real estate industry.

Technology is transforming the elevator industry byincorporating smart features and energy-efficient technologies, which bettermeet the demands of contemporary businesses and consumers. Several significantdevelopments are expected to shape the development of the Indian elevatormarket in the future.

SmartElevator: The Indian elevator market is currently in the midstof a significant transformation, largely due to the integration of artificialintelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities. These advancedtechnologies are not just changing the market but also significantly enhancinguser experience. With features like touchless operations, real-time monitoring,and predictive maintenance, companies are making substantial investments,instilling confidence in the future dominance of this segment in the market.

SustainableElevator: As environmental concerns continue to rise, theelevator industry is shifting towards sustainable solutions, driven by theinnovative efforts of companies. Elevators can account for up to 10 per cent ofthe total energy consumption in a high-rise building. In a report, theInternational Energy Agency (IEA) highlights that nearly 30 per cent of globalenergy consumption comes from buildings, with elevators and other verticaltransportation systems contributing a notable portion.

As tier-I and tier-II cities expand vertically,elevators become central to urban infrastructure, and their energy efficiencyis becoming more urgent. Companies are focusing on innovations, such asregenerative drives, which convert excess energy generated during the descentback into electricity, which are gaining traction.

Innovative elevator solutions, such as TWIN,effectively double the capacity and make better use of the available space byfitting two independent cabins into a single shaft. TWIN’s unique design helpsreduce energy consumption, making it a more sustainable choice for modern buildings.The use of eco-friendly materials in elevator construction and theimplementation of green certifications are becoming standard practices.

Customisedand Aesthetic Designs: Customisation and aesthetics will change elevatordesign in the future. As real estate developers focus on creating unique andappealing structures, elevators will also feature customisable interiors, advancedlighting, and premium materials to match building decor.

Modern consumers expect elevators to reflect theaesthetics of their surroundings. Manufacturers are responding by offering awide range of design options, from luxurious finishes to space-saving designs, openingexciting creative possibilities for future elevator design.

Thepower of AI in Predictive Maintenance: AI is a vital tool forpredictive maintenance, utilizing data collected from sensors installed inelevators. These sensors monitor various parameters, including temperature,sound, and motor performance.

By analysing minor deviations from normal functioning, AIalgorithms can identify potential equipment failures before they occur. Thisproactive approach not only minimizes downtime and extends the lifespan ofelevator components but also ensures the reliability of the system, providing asense of security.

The Roleof Government

Government regulations are becoming critical as AI andIoT become a part of elevator systems. These rules must ensure the data byimplementing clear guidelines that protect user data obtained by technologies.

Secondly, India's National Building Code (NBC) shouldbe reviewed and updated to include new technologies and ensure inclusive designprinciples are applied to all elevator installations. While prioritizing publicsafety and privacy, the government can foster innovation by establishing acomprehensive regulatory framework.

Conclusion

The future of the elevator industry in India is poisedfor significant growth and innovation. As urbanization accelerates andtechnological advancements evolve, the demand for smart, efficient, andaesthetically pleasing elevators will only increase. The Indian elevatormarket, currently valued at approximately USD 1.1-billion, is expected to growat a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 7.5 per cent over the nextfive years.

Companies that adapt to these emerging trends andprioritize sustainability and customer experience have the potential to emergeas leaders in this dynamic market. With the Indian elevator sector gearing upfor these changes, stakeholders must remain agile, embracing new technologiesand practices to meet the expectations of a rapidly changing landscape.

“As real estate developers focus on creating unique andappealing structures, elevators will also feature customisable interiors, advancedlighting, and premium materials to match building decor.”

Manish Mehan,