thyssenkrupp and Microsoft digitize global elevator industry

thyssenkrupp Elevator expects to have about 28,000 additional elevators connected to its cloud-based predictive maintenance solution MAX in Brazil, as the region joins the global MAX platform. The platform now covers markets that account for approximately 30 per cent of all elevators worldwide. In addition, the company has upgraded the MAX solution to also provide predictive maintenance for escalators.

How does MAX work? MAX collects real-time machine data from sensors in elevators and escalators, sending them to the Microsoft Azure cloud where the remaining lifetime of key components is calculated, determining which parts will require maintenance and when. The system subsequently flags potential repair issues before they occur. The predictive modelling increases efficiency and reduces elevator downtime.

Over 50 MAX-connected elevator pilot units are already successfully running in Brazil, and the service will now be offered on a wider scale to customers in the region. thyssenkrupp Elevator has also already received requests from customers to install MAX for escalators, including at one of Germany’s leading airports which moves approximately 16 million people each year, and for 137 escalators in the Valencia Metro, Spain, which transport over 62 million passengers per year.

Partnering with Microsoft, thyssenkrupp Elevator benefits from being the first in the elevator industry to develop an IoT-based predictive service solution, bringing cutting edge technology to the 160 year-old elevator industry. Elevators carry over 1 billion passengers each day, making them the most used mode of transport in the world.

The Machine-Learning-based predictive models, operated in the Microsoft Azure cloud, have been improving based on data that has been collected since 2015. As a result, thyssenkrupp is confident that MAX can reduce elevator downtime by up to 50 per cent, making its predictive models second to none in the global elevator industry. Up to now, MAX has already helped to maximize elevator uptime for over 40,000 customers.

Andreas Schierenbeck, CEO of thyssenkrupp Elevator, commented: "This is a significant moment for our business, and for cities as a whole. Population growth and urbanization are putting the infrastructure within our buildings under more pressure than ever before. Data really is the key to truly understanding the challenges our buildings face and developing solutions to improve them for both property managers and users alike."

The system also now features a new enhanced customer service portal currently being rolled out in Spain. The portal grants building managers access to important real-time information about their elevators’ performance, allowing them to facilitate more timely and effective repair work with thyssenkrupp’s maintenance engineers.

Sam George, Director Azure IoT, at Microsoft added: "MAX is a perfect example of digitalization in action; developing and applying technology to a very specific industry issue to drive real business value. The MAX model has evolved over the last three years in line with customer and company needs. We’re delighted with its success to-date and the tangible business benefits. We look forward to working closely with thyssenkrupp on its continued evolution and growth."

Schierenbeck further commented: "Since the first launch of MAX in 2015, the platform has gone from strength to strength. At a macro level this is about data-led technology aiding city efficiency and growth. At a micro level, it’s getting us more seamlessly from A to B and making people’s daily lives easier. We’re looking forward to introducing MAX to the Latin American market and, with the potential to reduce downtime by up to 50%, we hope it can continue to support sustainable growth and evolution in our cities for years to come."