The Emergence of Voice-Controlled Elevators

As technology advances it only makes sense that we create systems that make life easier for individuals. One way to improve the quality of life is by creating elevators that are accessible to all. These accessibility features can include installing braille and tactile buttons, prioritizing spacious cabins and doors, implementing visual floor indicators, installing handrails, and ensuring adequate lighting. One important new way to promote accessibility is through creating voice-controlled elevators. 

What are Voice-Controlled Elevators?

Voice-controlled or voice-activated elevators are systems where you solely use your voice for elevator actions. It is unnecessary to touch any buttons to call an elevator or get to a certain floor. 

How does a Voice-Controlled Elevator Operate?

An elevator’s voice recognition system works like an iPhone’s voice assistant. Whether you have technology like Siri or another smartphone accessibility option, an elevator’s voice-controlled system will assist in tasks that are shared by speaking. For example, if you need the elevator to bring you from floor one to floor ten, call out the word “elevator” and it should arrive on your floor. Then, once you step inside the elevator, you can say something like “Go to floor ten.” The elevator should be able to move you up ten floors to your destination. Of course, certain elevators operate in different ways and there may be a certain phrase you have to use to call out your elevator.

What are the Benefits of Voice-Controlled Elevators?

With voice-controlled elevators, the user experience is convenient, safe, and efficient. When you think about an elevator, your first thought probably isn’t about the spread of germs. Yet, elevator buttons can collect so many types of germs from different people hitting a button for a certain floor every day. With the addition of voice-activated elevators, this problem disappears, preventing any risk of sickness. 

The number one benefit of having a voice-controlled elevator is its accessibility. Every person must have access to an elevator. For those with disabilities that affect movement in their arms and hands, having a voice-controlled system can help them access the elevator and move from floor to floor. Even for those who do not face disabilities, voice-activated elevators can be extremely beneficial for carrying heavy items when it’s difficult to press elevator buttons. 

Elevators with Audible Announcements 

While there are still more elevators where individuals must push buttons to get where they need to go, there has been an increase in audible announcements. These systems will announce the floor number and the direction of travel. This means those with visual, hearing, or cognitive impairments can use the elevator freely and safely. 

Having an elevator that is voice-activated or voice-controlled will only help you and other people in the long run. In 2024, we can’t see what advancements will be made to elevators in the future. However, we can see that these technologies can help improve people of all different walks of life.