As we enter the new year, it’s apt to take a look at recent developments in the vertical transportation industry that many prospective or current lift owners might not be aware of. These advancements don’t just promise to modernise lifts but also provide practical benefits, aiding in daily convenience, reducing maintenance costs, and aligning with broader sustainable goals.
In this blog post, we’ll explore four key ways technology is transforming home lifts. We’ll discuss innovations like smart IoT connectivity, AI-powered performance, energy-efficient designs, and advanced safety features. To demonstrate these advancements in action, we’ll also share a case study on our collaboration with Parker Hannifin, where we successfully integrated smart technology into a commercial lift system.
Smart IoT Connectivity
Lifts equipped with Internet of Things (IoT) technology are revolutionising the way vertical transportation is managed. These smart systems enable real-time monitoring and data collection, significantly improving reliability by reducing unexpected breakdowns.
More than just maintenance, IoT integration allows for a personalised user experience. Imagine stepping into your lift where lighting and temperature automatically adjust to your preferences. These systems also seamlessly integrate with building management, ensuring that your lift is as smart as the rest of your home. For homeowners, this means peace of mind and a lift that’s tailored to fit your lifestyle.
AI-Powered Performance
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are making lifts smarter and more responsive. By analysing usage patterns, AI-driven systems optimise performance and adjust ride speeds for greater efficiency.
These systems can also predict maintenance needs, preventing issues before they occur. This not only minimises downtime but also extends the lifespan of key components, reducing long-term costs.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Energy efficiency in lifts has taken a significant leap forward. Regenerative drives now convert braking energy into electricity, feeding it back into the building’s power grid to lower energy consumption.
Surprisingly, some lifts still lack energy-efficient LED lighting, which improves visibility while consuming far less power. With these upgrades, modern lifts are not only eco-friendly but also cost-effective, reducing operational expenses while supporting broader sustainability goals.
Smart Sensors and Touchless Features
Safety and accessibility have also advanced with the introduction of smart sensors and touchless controls. Modern sensors continuously monitor door movement and detect obstacles, ensuring passenger safety by providing real-time feedback and automatically halting operations if needed.
Meanwhile, voice-activated controls and touchless interfaces make lifts more accessible, offering a seamless experience for persons with mobility needs. These features create a more inclusive household while giving homeowners confidence in the safety of their lifts.
Smart Sensors and IoT in Action at Parker Hannifin
Although this example isn't specifically a home lift, our work with Parker Hannifin shows how advanced lift technology can transform operations in any environment. This collaboration highlights the potential of tech-forward systems to adapt to complex challenges, showcasing innovations like Smart IoT Connectivity and Smart Sensors.
With the introduction of automated goods vehicles (AGVs) into their facility, the need for smarter, more responsive lift systems became evident. Their existing lifts couldn’t detect or respond to AGVs. Also, the lifts and AGVs were supplied by different companies, neither of which had accounted for the other’s requirements.
But by identifying the AGVs’ ability to send signals, we proposed and implemented a solution that integrated the lift system with AGV technology. A communication bot was installed in the lift, allowing it to transmit and receive signals from the AGVs. This Smart IoT Connectivity enabled real-time interactions between the two systems, ensuring uninterrupted operations throughout the facility. Moreover, the lift was equipped with advanced sensors to detect the AGVs’ presence and respond accordingly. These sensors added a layer of efficiency, ensuring that the lift and AGVs could operate harmoniously without manual intervention.
This project demonstrates how Smart IoT Connectivity and Smart Sensors can be applied to solve real-world challenges, demonstrating the potential for such innovations in both commercial and residential settings. For homeowners, these advancements can translate into smarter, safer, and more efficient lift systems tailored to your needs.
From smart IoT connectivity and AI-powered systems to energy-efficient designs and advanced safety features, these innovations make lifts more than just a means of transportation, they become an integral part of your lifestyle.
At BELIFT, we specialise in bringing these innovations to life, ensuring your home lift is as stylish, reliable, and future-ready as you need it to be. Whether you’re upgrading an existing lift or installing one for the first time, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Leave your contact details with us, and our friendly technicians will reach out to discuss the best modernisation options.
Comments