A Snapshot of the VT World

This issue finds us mid-summer, but rather than sitting still and sunning ourselves, it appears the vertical-transportation (VT) industry is firing on all cylinders, unstoppable despite the heat and whatever else might be ailing the world. Whether it be contests, events or technology, we tend to be all over it. Everything I read these days winds its way to AI sooner or later, and the more I read the more I understand there are many ways in which AI and even robotics can help the VT industry. For one thing, AI excels at gathering vast amounts of data, organizing it and targeting what you really need to know — think project management or “just-in-time” material ordering. Robotics are being touted for doing jobs that are dirty, dangerous, demeaning or dear (expensive). And robots can work 24 hours a day in the heat or cold without needing a break. This may be the future of many high-rise construction projects.

Another side to this future of AI is that it is taking many entry-level, white-collar jobs. Gen Z university graduates are turning to the trades. Forty-two percent of Gen Z adults (ages 18-28) are currently working in or pursuing a blue-collar or skilled-trade job, according to a recent report from Resume Builder. Of those, 37% have earned a bachelor’s degree. 

The VT trade has much to offer, including good education opportunities, excellent pay, steady advancement and, best of all, the opportunity to participate in building monuments that reach for the sky.

Many of our articles this issue touch on AI, including Modelling Failure Detection of Lift Doors Through Sensor Fusion by Daan Smans, which discusses how emerging technologies improve the overall accuracy and reliability of detecting potential failures. 

Our “main event” this issue, the Photo Contest 2025, includes an Illustrations category that features AI-generated art. Other categories touch on AI, too. This is one of my favorite contests, and we publish more than 20 pages of VT in all its glory.

We also offer a Special Regional Section: Poland for the first time, planned to coincide with reporting on this year’s ELA General Assembly held in Warsaw. Coming Together in Warsaw by Bülent Yılmaz tracks the progress achieved at May’s ELA Annual General Assembly and Congress. The Polish Association of Lift Manufacturers (PALM) hosted its conference the day after ELA’s ended. We report on it in Palm Lift Day. 

There are so many more major industry events featured this issue, including: 

• Excelling in Excellence by Lindsay Fletcher. In its 37th year, U.K.’s LIFTEX sees record attendance. 
• Russian Elevator Week 2025 by Bülent Yılmaz. In its 13th iteration, this event sees good attendance despite sanctions. 
• Successful Industry Gathering by Sascha Göbel, EW Europe Correspondent. Our correspondent attends Hissmekano Summer Fest. 
• Destination: Lisbon by Bülent Yılmaz. One of Europe’s most colorful and oldest capitals hosts ELEVCON’s 24th edition.
• ExpoElevador Brasil 2025: Moving to the Top by Carmen Maldacena, EW Correspondent. The largest VT exhibition of Latin America took place in São Paulo, Brazil, and grew significantly in size and success in this ninth edition.

There is so much more we cover in this issue. It is no sleepy summer book, but a vibrant, energetic one you won’t want to miss. Reach out to me with your feedback at [email protected].