Intelligent Elevators, Escalators, and Moving Walkways: Future Trends 2023–2025 in Smart Buildings

The digitalization of elevator technology is advancing rapidly, driven by increasing connectivity through the Internet of Things (IoT). Modern elevators are no longer just autonomous units in buildings but an integral part of a networked ecosystem. Equipped with sensors, edge devices, and cloud connectivity, they continuously transmit operational, environmental, and usage data to central platforms. These data streams are analyzed in real-time and provide a wealth of information: from error codes and failure patterns to detailed usage analysis per time of day. A typical IoT system in the elevator world consists of three layers: the sensor and control module in the elevator shaft, a gateway for data transmission, and the cloud platform where advanced analytics – often AI-supported – takes place. The benefits for operators are immense: real-time diagnostics, targeted maintenance operations, reduced downtime, and decreasing costs. Predictive maintenance is becoming the gold standard. Studies show that these technologies significantly reduce the number of unplanned repairs¹.

But the potential doesn't end with new installations. Existing elevators can also be retrofitted with external sensors. These plug-and-play systems can work across manufacturers, as demonstrated by the startup "Aufzughelden" with its "Aufzugsbox"². Connecting old systems to digital platforms not only provides transparency about their condition but also enables integration into modern building management systems. Escalators and moving walkways have long been part of this digital infrastructure: sensors detect, for example, step chain movement, temperature anomalies, or running times and automatically report these to maintenance systems. Linking all this data in a central dashboard gives facility managers a holistic view of the entire system. And this holistic view is necessary because more and more stakeholders in smart buildings – from energy supply to security to user management – require a common data foundation.

Besides maintenance, artificial intelligence also plays a key role in controlling and organizing elevator operations. In heavily frequented buildings such as high-rises, airports, or transportation hubs, efficiency and short waiting times are crucial – here, AI-based destination call systems enable completely new solutions. This allows the elevator to be controlled proactively: for example, the control system recognizes when a floor is heavily frequented and automatically directs more cabins there. An AI-supported system not only analyzes past patterns but also predicts future load distributions. It also considers current sensor data, such as the occupancy of individual cabins, energy consumption, or door response times. This allows the system control to dynamically optimize each cabin. When a call is made, the system doesn't simply select the nearest elevator but the most efficient option considering all parameters. In combination with real-time data from access controls (e.g., from turnstiles or mobile apps), a fully automatic destination pre-selection can even occur. This not only increases comfort and speed but also reduces energy consumption through fewer empty trips. The use of such adaptive control systems has measurable effects: According to data from KONE, waiting times in large office buildings can be reduced while simultaneously increasing transport capacity per hour³. For operators, this means not only efficiency gains but also higher satisfaction among users and tenants.

A decisive advantage of networked elevators lies in their ability to integrate into the larger digital ecosystem of a building. Through open programming interfaces (APIs), elevator data and control functions are seamlessly incorporated into building management systems, access solutions, energy control platforms, or security infrastructures.

The usage scenarios are diverse: When an employee enters a building and identifies themselves via access card, the system already knows their destination floor and automatically calls an elevator. In a networked hotel, an elevator can pre-select the destination based on the guest's room card. Building-internal navigation systems on smartphones or touch panels in the entrance area can even specifically instruct barrier-free cabins to serve users with specific requirements. Future visions go even further: Digital Twins – virtual representations of physical elevators – enable simulations of maintenance processes, energy optimizations, or safety analyses⁴. Data from real operating conditions is fed back to develop optimization strategies for identical systems in real-time. A failure in the model can thus preventively initiate repairs on comparable elevators in the inventory. This closed-loop engineering allows for permanent system development – without interventions in ongoing operations. The smart building of the future thus not only recognizes needs but relies on real-time reactions and proactive control – with the elevator as an intelligent node between user, infrastructure, and cloud.

Global Market Trends and Leading Industry Providers

Which trends dominate the global competition? Which companies are driving innovations significantly – and how are they positioning themselves in an increasingly networked, sustainable environment? Increasing urbanization, the strong growth of megacities, and the pressure for more energy efficiency in the building sector are fueling the worldwide demand for intelligent elevator systems. Modern vertical and horizontal transport systems are today not just means of transportation but strategic components of smart urban development. In this context, providers that combine technological innovation with digital networking are gaining importance. According to forecasts, the global market volume for elevators and escalators is expected to rise to around 168 billion US dollars by 2032 – a clear sign of the increasing importance of vertical mobility in urban infrastructures⁵.

Drivers of Market Growth:

• Urbanization & Densification: Super high-rises in Asia and the Middle East demand new, powerful elevator systems⁶.
• Modernization Need: In Europe and North America, many systems are older than 20 years and need retrofitting⁷.
• Smart City Concepts: Integration into digital infrastructures increases the relevance of interface and data competence⁸.

Standards, Safety, and Regulatory Framework

Regulations and standards are evolving in parallel with technological dynamics. They form the backbone for the safe and interoperable use of smart elevator systems – both in existing buildings and new construction projects. The focus is on energy efficiency, operational safety, emergency communication, and digital interfaces.

Central Developments in the Regulatory Framework:

• EN 81-20/50 (EU): Already revised to improve structural safety, lighting conditions, and emergency call systems⁹.
• ISO 25745 / VDI 4707: Assessment of energy efficiency – comparable to building labels (A+++, A++,...)¹⁰.
• EN ISO 8100 (planned): The goal is worldwide harmonization of standards for digital elevator functions¹¹.
• VDMA 15324:2023: Guideline for emergency calls via IP-based systems – important in the context of cloud maintenance¹².

Additionally, national requirements increasingly demand barrier-free design (e.g., DIN 18040)¹³ and energy certificates. With regard to climate protection laws, energy certificates for elevator systems could become the norm in the future.

Cybersecurity in Focus:

More than 50% of companies in Germany were targets of cyber attacks in 2023 – smart elevator controls must therefore also be secured¹⁴. Industry solutions rely on:

• encrypted data transmission,
• dedicated security gateways,
• regular OTA updates and penetration tests,
• network segmentation for IoT modules.

Certifications such as IEC 62443 or ISO 27001 are increasingly being demanded by operators – especially for public tenders or high-security areas¹⁵.

Strategic Recommendations for Decision-Makers in Architecture, Operation, and Planning

In the wake of growing ESG requirements and increasing competitive pressure, elevators are increasingly becoming a differentiating feature for sustainable and future-proof real estate. For building managers, investors, operators, and planners, current developments offer both technical and economic potential. The following measures are considered particularly future-proof:

1. Retrofit Instead of New Construction

• Analysis of existing elevator systems regarding energy efficiency, digitalization potential, and safety
• Use of retrofit systems for IoT, control, LED, regenerative drives¹⁶

2. Smart Integration into Building Management

• Use of open APIs for integration into access, lighting, and room booking systems
• Selection of providers with SDKs and cloud platforms (e.g., Otis ONE, KONE API)¹⁷

3. Consistently Pursue Sustainability

• Prefer products with ecological balance, recyclable components, and CO₂-reduced production
• Check energy efficiency certificates (VDI 4707, ISO 25745)¹⁸

4. Focus on User Experience and Accessibility

• Use of touchless technology, voice control, and personalized displays
• Integration of acoustic signals and tactile controls for inclusion¹⁹

5. Actively Manage IT Security

• Selection of certified systems with proven cybersecurity architecture
• Training of facility teams in data protection and digital threat defense²⁰

A future-proof elevator concept combines technology, operation, and user comfort. Intelligent mobility solutions are becoming the foundation of every successful smart building – with clear relevance for ESG criteria, building certifications (LEED, DGNB), and value retention²¹.

Conclusion: Elevators as the Backbone of the Digital Building World

Elevators and escalators are evolving into networked, self-optimizing, and sustainable components of modern real estate. Between 2023 and 2025, digital controls, AI analytics, touchless interfaces, and regenerative technology are shaping the image of vertical mobility. Operators benefit from reduced operating costs, more comfort, and higher reliability – users from smart, hygienic, and intuitive operation. A look at the next 5 to 10 years shows: Elevators will not only become more autonomous but also act more context-aware. They will analyze traffic flows in real-time, adapt situationally, and communicate with other building functions and urban infrastructure via cloud-based systems. Future visions range from self-learning maintenance systems to fully integrated smart city networks to wireless multi-directional lifts that rethink space vertically and horizontally. The sustainability aspect will also continue to come to the fore – through CO₂-neutral production chains, circular maintenance concepts, and adaptive resource use.