AI, VT and the Future

Many of us are just a little afraid of AI. I think it is the lack of humanness. We are accustomed to getting information from computers, but believe they have been educated and programmed by humans. Somehow, generative AI is different — beyond human. It’s a big leap for us to make. However, in the vertical-transportation (VT) industry, we are struggling with what is called a “double tsunami”: a skills gap for those coming into the industry and a flood of baby boomers retiring. Perhaps properly trained AI can be an opportunity for us. Here are a few of the things generative AI could do on jobsites: optimize the use of materials and labor (thereby saving money); improve safety with real-time cameras and sensors; increase quality control with remote monitoring; improve communication between teams working separately; and, of course, provide predictive maintenance, which is already being used in the VT world. Recently on LinkedIn, Otis Chair, CEO and President Judy Marks said:

“The acceleration of technological advances and population demographics in many parts of the world are converging to create incredible opportunities for those who are adaptable. The people and organizations that succeed will foster this adaptability — rethinking traditional roles, focusing on skills that can’t be replicated by technology and encouraging retraining professional development.”

Along with aspects of AI, in this issue we showcase Photo Contest 2024 by Kathleen Farrell. This 12th annual contest never fails to amaze. It is one of my favorite things to see our industry from the cameras of those who work daily on elevators, lifts and escalators.

We also offer a special section on The DACH Region with four articles:

• From Recruitment Game to Brand Communication submitted by Zeihl-Abegg. Exciting projects are honored at the first AI Communication Awards held at the DeSi restaurant in Kupferzell, Germany. Projects range from AI as a tool for use in the podcast jungle, the Escape Recruitment, and a creative assignment for Instagram. 
• “The Future Ready To Hand” by Undine Stricker-Berghoff. Elevator professionals come together in Heilbronn, Germany, for two days for the 41st Heilbronn Elevator Days under the motto, “The future ready to hand.”
• 100 Years of Plastics Expertise submitted by Röchling. An anniversary celebration and Open Day at Röchling Industrial Xanten delights more than 1,000 guests. 
• Modern Elevator Technology by Stricker-Berghoff. The German small and medium-sized elevator industry meet for the 20th time in Schwelm, Germany, for two days at the Schwelm Symposium. 

Many global events have been held over the past few months, and we present coverage of several of them in this issue.

• WEE Expo Held in Shanghai for the Last Time by Bülent Yılmaz. The 16th World Elevator and Escalator Expo was held at Shanghai’s National Exposition and Convention Center for the last time on May 8-11.
• The 53rd ANACAM National Assembly by Titti Lo Papa. Standardization, accessibility, training and cybersecurity are the old and new challenges ahead. 
• ISO Plenary Meeting by Dr. Gero Gschwendtner. VT experts come together in Paris to refine codes and standards at the 32nd ISO/TC 178. 
• SIEME by Alea Guillemi. Inaugural Spanish-speaking event brings together 120 professionals at the Technological Institute of Aragon. 
• ELA General Assembly Held in Istanbul by Bülent Yılmaz. The European Lift Association is held in Istanbul with the theme of “Transition Toward Global Sustainability.” 

Of course, there is much more, including interviews, news, new technology and products from around the world. We hope you enjoy the magazine this month. Want to tell me about it? Contact me at ricia@elevatorworld.com.