The construction industry in Europe faces challenges like fragmented data ecosystems, legacy system integration and a shortage of skilled personnel. Similar problems affect the U.S., but Europe has already set laws in motion to control and manage the use of AI and digitalization. The EU AI Act (fully effective in 2026) seeks to ensure that AI is used responsibly and ethically, and that risks are managed effectively. Portions of the construction industry are already using these systems for design, planning, project management, safety and data mining. I love that last one – it means sorting through mountains of data (in various languages) to find the kernel of information you really need, now! It also means organizing data, so it is more useful, thus increasing productivity and reducing costs.
One Sweden-based global construction company, Skanska, has been using Sidekick since 2023. The company operates in Europe and the U.S. and recently introduced Safety Sidekick, which combines EHS Manual, OSHA construction standards and supplemental safety documentation into one streamlined, easily accessible resource available on both mobile and desktop platforms. The Safety Sidekick falls under the builder’s suite of Expert Sidekicks, which are tools built with specific information for each purpose.
The vertical-transportation (VT) industry has not been “asleep at the wheel” in the innovation game. Our Focus this month is Digitalization and six articles are featured, each a close-up view of how we are “innovating.”
Application of Fuzzy-Enhanced Reinforcement Learning in AI for Elevator Group Control by Meysam Talebi. A solution to complex, large-scale problems is explored.
Madrid Airport’s First Fully Remote-Operated Hub with TKE System by Lindsay Fletcher. TK Elevator (TKE) has successfully implemented its MAX Automate system at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport in Spain.
Turning Elevator Sensor Data into Actionable Insights by CEDES. Capturing data from sensors directly offers universal IoT establishment in every elevator.
Fujitec’s DX by Kenji Tomooka. The OEM envisions a digital twin of the elevator system that collects and optimizes data in real-time.
An Exploration of Elevator Cloud Solutions by Chao Du, Hao Gao and Jian Cao. The safe operation of 20 million elevators worldwide is difficult without computer data that instantly informs of needs and activity.
The Power of Data by Anas Siddiqui. AI is a powerful tool for analyzing vast amounts of data and presenting actionable insights – like issuing a work order.
In addition to the diverse offerings on digitalization, this packed issue features reports on events across the continent. EW Europe Correspondent Sascha Göbel made the rounds throughout Germany over the past few months and contributes three thorough articles to these pages: 42nd Heilbronn Elevator Days, VFA Members’ Meeting 2025in Nurembergand VFA-AK Normen. EW Europe Correspondent Olga Quintanilla Marful shares Madrid Conference Overview, a review of the interpretation of the ITC in Spain. TKE CEO, Europe Africa Bora Gülan gives us a breakdown of MIPIM 2025, an event held in picturesque Cannes, France, which focused on how innovations in urban mobility and sustainability are shaping the future of real estate.
Finally, mention should be made of our cover art from Imagination Unbound by Kaija Wilkinson, who also created the cover art using KLEEMANN’s AI Lifts Creator. The tool, AI Lifts Creator, invites users to envision lifts without limitations, and that is just what Wilkinson did. This is a beautifully designed issue with plenty of good reads in it. I hope you enjoy it. Reach out to me with your feedback at [email protected].
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