If I had to sum up the theme of this issue, it would be Events and Sustainability. The industry has been impatiently idling for over two years dealing with COVID-19. Now, even though the virus is making a comeback, the industry has events on top of events planned for the balance of the year. This issue, we feature at least five:
“Finally, Interlift!” by Angela C. Baldwin. After many delays, interlift, the biannual European exhibition, took place this spring in Augsburg. It was smaller but not by much. In many ways, the reunions were warmer and a little emotional after two-and-a-half years.
Ascen.tec by Bülent Yılmaz. The 2nd international Elevator Technology Exhibition took place in Athens and was well attended.
ELA Conference 2022 by Yılmaz. Delayed almost three years, the delegates focused on “Lifts and Escalators: A Road to the Future in a Safe, Digital and Energy Efficient World.”
Schwelm Symposium 2022 by Undine Stricker-Berghoff. This two-day event explored the future of vertical transportation (VT) with addresses from 20 speakers.
A Huge Family Gathering by Yılmaz. The 51st ANACAM General Assembly boasted 111 new members, adding up to 430 total. There were reports, speakers and ISO Code information shared during the three-day meeting.
Almost every event this year mentions “sustainability” or energy savings. In Transformation Roadmap by Kaija Wilkinson, KONE hosted 70 journalists in Helsinki with their inaugural experience that focused on how technology facilitates productivity, sustainability and improves the users’ VT experience. KONE has been recognized as a leader in this area. Not to be outdone, TK Elevator reported on their sustainability efforts in this issue, as did Wittur, who issued nine key targets – all emphasizing greener, safer and more energy-efficient operations. Otis did the same over a month ago.
In the article Technology is Key by Krishna Kumar Ravi, a consultant in India, the author talks about a strategic approach to sustainability. With half the world living in cities and many more moving there, we must focus on clean, affordable energy and responsible consumption. Technology, he says, will help us do this.
The focus topic this issue is Doors and Sensors. Three articles are offered, all from companies operating in the European theater:
Next Level Protection by India Carter. Since 40% of all injuries occur in the door area, Formula Systems has developed a new door-mounted system that uses both 2D and 3D detection to protect passengers.
Design Diversity by Michael J. Ryan. The author from The Peelle Co. highlights the many door configurations to fit freight storage systems. None are identical, and doors must adapt to conditions.
A Step Beyond by Kaija Wilkinson. Pat Bass, VP of Special Projects, talks to EW about leaving TKE and working with Cedes on a safety edge with capability to provide all the data needed for predictive maintenance.
Our 10th Annual Photo Contest rounds out the issue. Since the beginning, this contest has been a favorite feature. Every month, we delve into the mechanics of VT, but once a year we get to show off the beauty that our readers see in our worldwide industry. From Azerbaijan to the U.A.E., it is a fashion show of skylines, equipment and people who populate the elevator world. This year, we included families and some legacy equipment. Enjoy!
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