Moving Toward A New Normal

As we go to press, it is a troubled time for all of us around the world. For a while now, we have had to physically cut ourselves off from others to avoid contamination from the novel coronavirus. We are practicing social distancing, working remotely, video conferencing and, in general, mastering new ways to communicate through the latest technology. And, though many of us have had to get used to new business environments, we can be buoyed by the fact that elevators are essential, and so are our businesses. Maintenance and repair are more important than ever, and companies have stayed busy in this sector even as new construction projects have slowed for the time being. Innovative solutions and safety measures are being debuted, as vertical-transportation (VT) companies look beyond the immediate moment and into a future focused on disinfection, cleaning and safe distancing. We will feature some of these products in our next issue.

While this pandemic has been hard for us, we need to follow the motto of our English friends, who, during the World War II bombings, advised each other to “Keep calm and carry on.” As we practice that advice, we look at events that shaped the early part of the year and focus some attention on developments for escalators and moving walks.

In Academic Exchange, Dr. Mohammad Masoud Majidifar detailed the 10th International Seminar on Elevators and Escalators held in Tehran, Iran, on February 20. VT experts, including professors, industrialists and foreign guests, gathered at the Koosha International Center of Applied Science and Technology at the event held in cooperation with the University of Applied Science and Technology of Tehran and Iran’s union of elevator, escalator and affiliated services.

In From Tokyo to Dubai, Shinichiro Akiba, corporate senior vice president of Toshiba Corp., visited Toshiba Elevator Middle East (TELME) in Dubai as part of his business outreach program. The two-day program was an opportunity for TELME to showcase its potential, as well as ongoing landmark construction projects and events in the U.A.E., particularly in Dubai.

Our Focus on Escalators and Moving Walks includes A Spectacular Ride, which features the first spiral escalators in the U.S. Midwest. They help distinguish the largest Starbucks in the world with a 360° tour of coffeemaking. In Longer Life for Escalator Steps by Dr. Ali Albadri, the London Underground pioneers the art of prolonging the lifespan of escalator steps in the U.K. Your author has examined the possibility of relaxing the stringent criteria for weld defects (thus reducing scrapping costs), while ensuring safety. In How to Set the Escalator Main Drive Chain by Hassan Sameni, the rules and regulations regarding escalator drive chains and how to maintain them are examined.

We hope you find value in this issue. If you don’t see what you are looking for in this publication, then contact us with your ideas. We are eager for you to communicate with us on what is happening in your company and with your projects.