Otis Accelerates Digitalization as China Moves to Make Cities Smarter

• IoT products and services improve passenger experience
• New cloud-based solution integrates autonomous service robots with elevators
• Touchless, wireless technology on display at China International Import Expo

SHANGHAI, Nov. 5, 2020 – Today, at the China International Import Expo (CIIE), Otis China announced its expanding digital technology portfolio for faster, smarter elevators, escalators and service solutions that enhance the future passenger experience and support smart city development. Otis (NYSE: OTIS) is the world’s leading elevator and escalator manufacturing, installation and service company.

Participating in CIIE for the first time, Otis is showcasing several innovative Internet of Things (IoT) solutions as well as smart elevator systems and services. Designed to illustrate “The Future Passenger Experience,” these solutions underscore Otis' vision to give people freedom to connect and thrive in a taller, faster, smarter world. 

“China represents a critical part of our global footprint and the largest elevator new equipment market in the world,” said Otis President and CEO Judy Marks. “As China moves at full speed to build its new digital infrastructure, Otis is investing in the technology and developing innovative products and services to support our customers and passengers in a modern, connected world.”

Otis China President Perry Zheng added: “Otis is committed to supporting China's new digital infrastructure, helping to stimulate economic growth and provide benefits to residents and businesses across the country. Otis has been delivering products and services to China since 1984, our elevators and escalators serve as key vertical transport links to safely and seamlessly connect people to the places they need to go.”

Otis is exhibiting at booth 4.1 B4-003. CIIE visitors can see and experience:

• Otis Integrated Dispatch™ system for robot elevator mobility integration

Autonomous service robots seamlessly interact with Otis elevators via the cloud, making robots more viable for use in hospitals, hotels, offices and residential buildings. Robots can move freely between floors without human support, providing automated and contactless delivery, pickup and visitor reception services to enhance the customer experience, offer safe solutions and improve productivity for employees. Many hospitals, hotels and commercial buildings in China’s tier one cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou have already deployed and integrated service robots into their facilities.

• Touchless elevator call services for contact-free convenience

Activated by capacitive sensing or hand gesture, Otis’ no-contact elevator call buttons give passengers a convenient and safer way to interact with the elevator by eliminating physical contact with call buttons. This new solution complements Otis’ proven eCall™ technology, which allows passengers to call an elevator via an app on their mobile device.

• Wireless emergency communications for enhanced safety

Otis uses IoT technology to enable wireless communication between elevators and the control/duty room. If a passenger becomes trapped in an elevator, the emergency button inside the elevator cab can easily connect them to the control/duty room. The Otis wireless-communication solution reduces costs, requires no cabling, shortens installation time and is easy to inspect on handover. Additionally, emergency calls can be rerouted to an Otis hotline number over the 4G/5G network when the control/duty room is not staffed, providing a rapid response to the entrapped passenger.

• Pit water detection for an improved passenger experience

Otis developed an IoT-based device to detect water in the elevator pit and proactively and safely let passengers exit the elevator at the nearest floor prior to a shut down. If water in the pit reaches a certain level, the elevator control panel issues a voice alert instructing passengers to exit when the elevator safely and automatically stops at the next floor. The elevator is suspended from service until a field mechanic is alerted to fix the problem.

Otis digital infrastructure expands: IoT Solution added to escalators

In addition to its robust portfolio of digital service solutions for elevators, Otis is now extending IoT service maintenance to escalators, which play a pivotal role in moving people in public facilities such as metro stations and airports. 

Using IoT technology and big data analytics, the Otis IoT Solution is an end-to-end digital platform that connects elevator and escalator systems, Otis field professionals, property managers and regulatory authorities. It empowers field technicians to make faster and more informed decisions that improve maintenance quality and reduce system downtime. Real-time interfaces with building owners and managers, as well as regulatory authorities, enable all stakeholders to monitor elevator and escalator operating data anytime, anywhere.

Otis has established digital interfaces with regulatory authorities in 10 key cities, including Shanghai, Ningbo, Nanjing, Guangzhou and Hangzhou. The infrastructure will continue to expand to new cities and customer installations across China.

Otis Booth at CIIE 2020

Visit Otis at Booth 4.1 B4-003 in the CIIE Intelligent Industry & Information Technology Zone at the National Exhibition and Convention Center, Shanghai, Nov. 5-10. Connect with Otis on WeChat for a virtual tour of the booth and to see Otis technology being showcased.

About Otis
Built on a legacy of innovation, Otis was founded in 1853 after Elisha Otis invented the elevator safety brake, giving rise to the modern city, transforming how people live and work, and revolutionizing architecture itself. Today, we are the world's leading company for elevator and escalator manufacturing, installation and service. We move 2 billion people a day and maintain more than 2 million customer units worldwide, the industry's largest maintenance portfolio. We can be found in many of the world's most recognizable buildings, as well as the busiest transportation hubs and retail centers – we are everywhere people are on the move. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA, Otis is 69,000 people strong, including 40,000 field professionals, all committed to meeting the diverse needs of our customers and passengers in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. To learn more, visit www.otis.com.