The Evolving Landscape of Elevators in a Post-Pandemic World
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Chapter 1: The Elevator Dilemma Post-COVID
As the workforce transitions back to physical offices, the renowned elevator manufacturer Otis faces a unique challenge: restoring confidence in a product that many have grown wary of.
In a rather ironic twist, the first cinematic depiction of the coronavirus was a horror film titled "Corona." This Canadian production features a chilling scenario where seven individuals find themselves trapped in an elevator, unable to maintain social distance, with one of them infected with Covid-19. Stephen Nichols, associate director of engineering at Otis — a 167-year-old company operating in over 200 countries and managing around 2 million elevators — admits he hasn't watched it, but he can imagine the discomfort it brings. "My family avoids watching movies about elevators with me because I tend to squirm," he remarks.
Nichols expresses frustration with how frequently films depict people trapped in elevators, a scenario that is far rarer in reality, often making headlines when it does occur. The last incident involving Otis was in 2009 when eight passengers were ensnared for five hours in a Toronto building. Moreover, he notes that movies rarely illustrate the ventilation systems in elevators, leading to a common misconception that they are sealed environments with stagnant air. "Even in a predicament, the air quality remains fresh. Elevators are among the best-ventilated spaces in buildings," he explains. Some elevators can achieve up to 72 air exchanges per hour, while common areas, like lobbies, may only manage around 10.
Innovations in the elevator sector have always blended technological advancements with understanding human psychology.
The video "The Future of Work: Rethinking Office Space Post Pandemic" delves into how workplace dynamics are changing, particularly in light of the pandemic's impact on office environments.
Section 1.1: Addressing Public Perception
The portrayal of elevators in media, with 23 distinct subcategories in TV Tropes — including "hellevator" and "trapped in an elevator" — can overshadow the efforts made by Otis to counter these narratives. By the time the film "Corona" was released in August, Otis had already been pursuing various strategies to reassure clients that their elevators were not hazardous virus carriers.
Otis, having operated during the 1918 flu pandemic, recalls a time when only elevator operators touched the buttons. Currently, with major companies like Facebook and Google planning to bring back thousands of employees, the situation is vastly different.
In Otis' "destination dispatch" elevators, there are no buttons inside the cabin, which can be programmed to restrict the number of passengers per trip. Low-tech solutions, such as tissues and toothpicks, were initially popular among clients in China to minimize contact with surfaces. However, as the pandemic progressed, Otis pivoted towards offering air purification systems and UV lights for sanitizing handrails — though it became clear that clients preferred visible solutions. "Signage has become a major investment for them," notes Chris Smith, Otis' vice president of product strategy and marketing. "They want it prominently displayed."
Subsection 1.1.1: Touchless Technology and the Future
For elevators installed post-2000, users can summon the lift through the Otis eCall app. Although this app was initially launched in Europe in 2016, it garnered limited interest until the pandemic shifted public focus toward hygiene. One of Otis' most significant advancements has been the creation of a fully touchless elevator, utilizing motion sensors and voice commands: a simple wave summons the elevator, followed by a verbal command to select a floor.
Despite these advancements, the compact nature of elevators makes social distancing challenging. Will innovative designs alleviate these concerns? Likely not, but the psychology behind elevator experiences remains critical.
"I believe most people’s primary fear is being trapped in an elevator," Smith observes. With the increased anxiety surrounding confined spaces due to Covid-19, the urgency to address touchless technology became paramount.
Otis has ramped up its research and development spending by 60% since 2015, tripling its patent portfolio and increasing product releases by 200% since 2018. However, CEO Judith Marks acknowledged that the company has been somewhat reactive in response to its competitors’ advancements.
Section 1.2: The Cultural Significance of Elevators
The elevator is an often-overlooked yet pivotal technology that enables urban living by allowing rapid vertical movement. Without elevators, the modern skyline and high-density living might look very different. As Lee Gray, an elevator historian from the University of North Carolina, remarks, "Elevators are unique in that they are one of the few technologies that have a profound cultural impact."
Before the invention of the safety brake by Elisha Graves Otis in 1853, elevators were considered too perilous for passenger use. As technological advancements unfolded, new fears arose, particularly concerning self-service elevators that operated without human oversight.
Chapter 2: The Future of Otis Elevators
The video "Ask the Expert: What is the Future of the Elevator Industry in the #Accessibility Space?" provides insights into the ongoing changes and future directions in elevator technology, particularly concerning accessibility.
As the pandemic reshapes societal norms, Otis is adapting its technology to address public concerns. The development of technology that allows elevators to stop on landing floors during malfunctions aims to alleviate fears of entrapment. The company's vigilance in maintaining a positive public image reflects the significance of elevators in contemporary culture.
In conclusion, as Otis continues to innovate, the future of elevators may once again become a blend of novelty and practicality, echoing their historical evolution from luxurious curiosities to essential components of modern infrastructure.