By Amit Gossain
Predictive maintenance is transforming the elevator industry in India, extending a positive methodology for the maintenance of elevator systems. As outdated equipment infrastructure, design, and unconsidered maintenance practices put forward challenges, the execution of cutting-edge technology offers new prospects for enhanced efficiency and aesthetics of buildings. By leveraging data analytics and sensor technologies, AI predictive maintenance enables users to obtain real-time insights of the elevators, leading to enhanced uptime and improved performance.
As per recent surveys, the Elevator Maintenance Service market would grow at a faster rate for a long time to come, since safety, quality and productivity are gaining a lot more importance.
Looking at the potential that the industry upholds for its existing and potential stakeholders, AI based predictive maintenance has a huge scope for research and development.
The Role of AI in Elevator Maintenance
AI, an abbreviation for Artificial Intelligence, performs a vital role in creating predictive maintenance a reality for elevators. It’s similar to having a ‘smart home set-up’ that can identify deviation from standard operating protocol and correct it earlier than you press the call button.
But, as the technique completely relies on pre-defined algorithms, it brings out challenges for the users of the industry and we must reflect upon the same.
Current Challenges in Elevator Maintenance in India
- Aging Elevator Infrastructure – In major cities, we see users still using outdated elevator technology. Hence there is a huge need to create awareness of elevator safety and predictive maintenance.
- Limited knowledge of elevator technology and maintenance – For most users, elevators are mere equipment that enable people to travel across floor. Whereas, in reality, elevators play significant role in the overall tenant experience in buildings. Elevators can now be connected to the building management systems. KONE DX Class elevators can be connected to Service and Customer experience robots that greatly enhance the overall value of any building.
Implementation of AI in Elevator Maintenance
- Data Collection and Analysis – Elevators are now furnished with sensors and modern technology to gather data on their every move, facilitating AI to examine patterns and forecast maintenance needs.
- Sensor Technologies for Condition Monitoring – Sensors are identical to the experts of elevators and can identify problems earlier than they turn into full-blown problems. From vibration sensors to smart cameras, these high-tech devices keep a tab on the elevator’s performance 24/7.
Benefits of AI Predictive Maintenance for Elevator Reliability
- Increased Equipment Uptime – With AI predictive maintenance, elevator stoppage happens to be infrequent. By mending problems sooner than they intensify, elevators can function effortlessly, keeping you going up and down without a hitch.
- Cost Savings and Efficiency – Predictive maintenance not only prevents elevators from failure but also greatly saves the costs for repairs and enhanced energy efficiency.
AI predictive maintenance is restructuring the elevator industry in India by enabling a predictive and data-driven decision making for maintenance. With the ability to decrease equipment downtime, reduced costs, and enhance overall reliability, the incorporation of AI technology in elevator maintenance is paving the road for a competent and sustainable time ahead.
As business participants persist in innovating this space, the worldwide elevator and escalator market is projected to grow from USD 83.86 billion in 2022 to USD 132.08 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period. The outlook for elevator reliability in India looks promising, driven by the transformative power of AI predictive maintenance.
The author is managing director, KONE Elevator – India and South Asia
