Otis Debuts Digital Innovation to Advance Smart Cities

Today, at the 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE), Otis Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: OTIS) announced the launch of its next-generation smart elevator system, the Otis Gen360™ digital elevator, and the 515NPE public escalator. Both products are designed to advance the passenger experience, creating a safe and more connected urban journey.

Otis is also exhibiting its futuristic Smart Cab elevator concept for the first time. With immersive displays, novel features and visionary aesthetics, the Otis Smart Cab provides an advanced look at the future elevator riding experience.

“Our success is rooted in our culture of innovation, the trust our customers place in us, and our commitment to safety, quality and sustainability,” Judy Marks, Chair, CEO & President of Otis Worldwide Corporation, said. “From the introduction of the world’s first safe elevator for passengers 170 years ago to modern day, Otis has helped transform urban skylines and how people live and work. The innovations we are unveiling today underscore our commitment to reimagining what’s possible for our customers and the riding public.”

Sally Loh, Otis China President, added: “Otis fully supports China’s vision of smarter and greener urban development. With world-leading and local research, design, manufacturing and service capabilities, Otis contributes to high-quality urban development in China.”

Otis innovations unveiled today at CIIE 2023 include:

Otis Gen360 Digital Elevator Platform

Initially launched in Europe, the Gen360 elevator platform is now available in China. Built around an all-new electronic architecture and Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem, the Gen360 connected elevator raises the bar for reliability and design.

It leverages the Otis ONE® IoT platform in combination with cutting-edge safety technology (PESSRAL). Otis ONE monitors equipment health and performance 24/7. By collecting and analyzing massive amounts of data from the elevators' smart sensors, the Otis ONE platform delivers real-time performance information, proactive communication and predictive insights. This gives Otis customers, and the field professionals servicing their units, visibility into their entire portfolio and how it's performing. Through IoT and artificial intelligence (AI), the Otis ONE digital platform enables service professionals to be proactive, identifying potential problems and addressing them, often remotely, before they cause a service interruption. 

Using cloud-based API technology, Otis can integrate its technology with building management software, tenant apps and even autonomous robots to make the experience inside a building more efficient and connected. As needs change and new features emerge, the connected platform allows for over-the-air software updates. This means that connected customers will have access to the latest technology, even as building or mobility ecosystems evolve.

The Gen360 elevator system also comes with tools and technologies that promote energy efficiency. The Otis ReGen™ drive reduces elevator energy consumption by up to 75% compared to conventional systems. Thanks to the all-new Centralized Power Board (CPB), the system links power regenerated by the Otis ReGen drive with the local power grid and consolidates the elevator’s power into one battery. Regenerated power from the elevator is used to charge the battery. Additionally, the Gen360 also increases overall reliability and frees hoistway space for other uses within the building.

Importantly, the all-new electronic architecture reduces the potential for entrapment. If the elevator stops unintentionally, our new smart safety technology and automatic rescue function will, in most cases, be able to deliver the car smoothly to the closest floor.

The new elevator platform also provides high-end cabin aesthetic design options and interactive functions to enhance the passenger experience. For example, the new eView smart screen provides a real-time total of the power the system is regenerating and displays current safety self-monitoring data from PESSRAL. These interactions can be updated via over-the-air provisioning throughout the elevator’s entire lifecycle.

Otis 515NPE Public Escalator

Designed to help people move seamlessly through high-traffic public spaces, the 515NPE features new escalator steps with a mini moving skirt to enhance passenger safety. It also incorporates antimicrobial handrail technology with digitally controlled handrail cleaning, as well as a new self-adjusting handrail system that prevents slippage and overheating. The 515NPE is equipped with Otis ONE® for around-the-clock monitoring, proactive maintenance and faster repairs, and is ideal for modernization projects in combination with the Otis legacy truss fast-installation system.

Otis Smart Cab

The Smart Cab elevator concept introduces a future in which the in-cabin environment is transformed to create an immersive, versatile space. The minimalist design includes streamlined cabin buttons, optimized button placement and a smart display for better accessibility. Tailored lighting and sensory settings provide a holistic experience for passengers. The new design also builds on existing energy-saving features that dim lights and displays as soon as the passenger exits.

Running from November 5 to 10, 2023, CIIE is hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China and the Shanghai Municipal People's Government. The event has emerged as a key platform for the promotion of global trade with China since it was launched in 2018.

Otis is exhibiting its state-of-the-art technologies and solutions, alongside the new Gen360™ elevator, 515NPE escalator and the Otis Smart Cab, at booth 3C1-01 at CIIE.

About Otis

Otis gives people freedom to connect and thrive in a taller, faster, smarter world. The global leader in the manufacture, installation and servicing of elevators and escalators, we move 2 billion people a day and maintain approximately 2.2 million customer units worldwide – the industry's largest Service portfolio. You’ll find us in the world's most iconic structures, as well as residential and commercial buildings, transportation hubs and everywhere people are on the move. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA, Otis is 69,000 people strong, including 41,000 field professionals, all committed to meeting the diverse needs of our customers and passengers in more than 200 countries and territories. For more information, visit www.otis.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter (X) @OtisElevatorCo.