The pandemic has had a profound impact on society, economy and business that has triggered the need for more effective health and safety measures. As India continues its progress with Unlock 5.0, the spotlight is on the need to reimagine innovative mobility services that can mitigate the risk to public health. New commute measures in community and private structures like elevators, escalators and staircases used by millions of Indians everyday will take centre stage in providing comfortable and secure mobility experience.
Rapid urbanization in India is fundamentally changing the way citizens live. However, the pandemic is perpetually changing the deeply entrenched commute choices that has shaped urban regions, smart cities and large housing projects involving (mass) transit. By 2036, India’s Population will Be 1.52 Billion with 70% of Increase in Urban Areas and with the backdrop of the pandemic, demand for comfortable, efficient and secure means of mobility experience will only increase. Elevators and escalators are at the heart of public commute and new innovations comprising of hygiene technologies, social distancing and touchless technologies are crucial in further curbing the spread of infection in public places. Therefore, maintaining a germ-free environment in the elevators with innovative solutions will not only benefit the passenger, but also support the elevator company in the long run. Below are some of the cutting-edge measures which are reforming the industry.
With evolving guidelines to control the potential source of bacteria and virus, avoiding physical contact, maintaining social distancing and auxiliary measures like using pens and key chains in public structures like elevators are on the rise. With citizens slowly increasing their commute in the wake of the unlock phase, how can their safety become a top priority? The following Touchless mobility solutions can go a long way in maintaining sanitized conditions for passengers:
Touchless calling – To limit the physical contact while operating the elevator buttons, the touchless call solution help passengers to operate the elevator via a virtual control panel on their smartphone. With the use of mobile application, QR codes and even the ubiquitous messaging service (WhatsApp), passengers can operate the elevator and reach the destination. By scanning the QR code sticker placed outside the cabin, passengers can get access to a virtual Lift Operating Panel (LOP). The LOP then calls the elevator to the passenger floor and access is granted to the Car Operating Panel (COP) for choosing the destination floor.
Infrared technology – The infrared technology-based elevator control system enables operations with hand gestures. Right from calling the elevators at any floor with just waving hands, to pointing their fingers towards the number for the designated floor, this technology ensures zero physical contact and absolutely technology-friendly initiative for passenger’s convenience.
Elevator pass – The elevator pass is similar to an airplane boarding card and the system works online, offline as well as for users without mobile phones. With the help of a QR codes which can be generated anytime via an app, received via text or email, or printed on paper, users scan it at a reader, a device installed near the elevator. The user then scans this code at a reader installed at the landing, and the elevator calls are generated automatically for the origin, as well as the destination floors. The offline usage feature makes this solution especially useful for buildings with high visitor or guest traffic, such as offices and hotels.
The pandemic has accelerated the dire need for contactless and futuristic solutions that deliver the promise of comfortable and secure mobility experience by optimizing safety and hygiene within the premises. Innovation and technological advancements like the touchless mobility provide effective solutions that not only improve performance but also promote safety of the passengers. The key is to protect passenger commute with advanced mobility solutions that are designed for ever evolving citizen lifecycle in tomorrow’s urban mobility.
