Moving safely: thyssenkrupp Elevator launches new touchless control solutions for elevators

In the context of COVID-19, safe mobility is crucial. In terms of using elevators, this means amongst other things, enabling touchless control of the cabin by passengers to ensure necessary hygiene standards. This is what thyssenkrupp Elevator aims for by launching two new solutions based on QR code technologies.

Touchless call, based on thyssenkrupp Elevator’s building management technology, uses QR codes placed at each landing and inside the cabin. Passengers can use these to operate the elevator via a virtual control panel on their smartphone without having to touch any buttons throughout the journey. Already today, there are more than 50 elevators across Europe connected with this solution.

Elevator pass operates similar to an airplane boarding card. QR codes can be generated anytime via an app, or received via email, text message, or in paper form. 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 codes can also be used via wearables, such as smart watches or via Braille applications, and usage by robots is also under testing. The solution is already installed at the largest public building in Spain, Laboral University, located within Gijon´s Mile of Knowledge.

“The development of touchless technologies is one of thyssenkrupp Elevator’s key pillars to help maintain sanitized conditions for passengers using our products, even beyond the pandemic,” says Peter Walker, CEO of thyssenkrupp Elevator. “With online and offline usage features, these digital solutions are easily applicable across a wide variety of segments, including offices, hotels, hospitals, and residential buildings.”

Both solutions are available for elevators from thyssenkrupp Elevator as well as other manufacturers.

The two new offerings build on thyssenkrupp Elevator’s robust portfolio of products and services to safeguard urban mobility. These include the cloud-based MAX service that minimizes downtime and allows for predictive maintenance, air purification solutions using UV light and ozone filters to clean the air in elevator cabins efficiently, as well as other touchless solutions like a kick-button.

How touchless call works:
Using any mobile phone camera, passengers can scan the QR code sticker placed outside the cabin and get access to a virtual Landing Operating Panel (LOP) via the web browser on his/her device. This LOP can be used to call the elevator to the passenger’s floor. By scanning the code placed inside the cabin, access is then granted to the Car Operating Panel (COP) where the destination floor can be chosen.

The solution can be installed easily, and does not require the use of an additional app. If the QR codes of elevators within a facility need to be changed, new ones can be easily created and instantly override the previous codes.

How Elevator pass works:
Elevator pass works online, offline, as well as for users without a mobile phone. With the app, passengers can generate codes by typing the floor name / number on an alphanumeric keyboard. The codes received via the app, text message, email or on paper, can be scanned at a reader located outside the elevator. The same code is able to automatically generate calls for the passenger’s current floor, as well as the destination. Eliminating the need for any cabin calls also helps to facilitate social distancing inside the cabin.

The app is currently available for iOS and Android devices via the Apple Store and Google Play in five languages: English, Spanish, German, French and Italian. QR codes can be stored in Apple Wallet and Google Pay, and also stored as Favorites within the app itself.

The offline usage feature makes this solution especially useful for buildings with high visitor or guest traffic, such as offices and hotels.

About us:

thyssenkrupp Elevator
With customers in over 100 countries served by more than 50,000 employees, thyssenkrupp Elevator achieved sales of around €8 billion in the fiscal year 2018/2019. Over 1,000 locations around the world provide an extensive network that guarantees closeness to customers. After building its position as one of the world’s leading elevator companies in a mere 40 years’ time, thyssenkrupp Elevator became an independent company in August 2020. The company’s most important business line is its service business, with approximately 1.4 million units under maintenance and over 24,000 service technicians globally. The product portfolio covers commodity elevators for residential and commercial buildings to cutting-edge, highly customized solutions for state-of-the-art skyscrapers – such as One World Trade Center in New York. In addition, it also consists of escalators and moving walks, passenger boarding bridges, stair and platform lifts, as well as tailored service solutions such as MAX, the industry’s first predictive maintenance solution – thus covering a broad spectrum of urban mobility.