A new artificial intelligence system is set to revolutionize the way the health of lifts is monitored in Hong Kong. The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department announced that this innovative AI technology will be integrated into digital logbooks in the fourth quarter of this year.
Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho emphasized the government’s commitment to the safety of lifts and escalators in her recent blog post. Engineer Lui Graham highlighted the importance of accurate record-keeping for lifts and escalators under the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance.
Traditionally, maintenance work logs were kept in paper format, posing risks of damage, loss, or missing pages. To address this issue, the department introduced a Digital Log-books System for Lifts and Escalators with blockchain technology in November 2022. This system allows real-time monitoring, recording, managing, and analyzing of elevator maintenance data through mobile applications and online platforms.
With over 36,000 out of 80,000 lifts and escalators already using digital logbooks, representing 45% of the total, the department’s efforts have been recognized globally. The digital logbook system was honored with 23 awards at the 48th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva.
Looking ahead, the department is enhancing the logbook’s capabilities with AI technology for analyzing the health status of lifts and escalators based on photos of major components. This new AI system will streamline the inspection process, significantly increasing efficiency by automating the analysis of photos submitted online. The AI system will eliminate the need for manual inspections of elevator components, freeing up resources for other essential tasks.
Enzo Lau Chi-chuen, general manager of Kai Shing Management Services, shared positive feedback on the digital logbook system, noting the time saved by engineers who can now access the latest work logs at their convenience through the app.
With the forthcoming integration of AI technology into digital logbooks, Hong Kong is at the forefront of leveraging innovative solutions to ensure the safety and efficiency of its lift and escalator systems. This initiative not only enhances inspection capabilities but also improves overall maintenance practices for a seamless and secure user experience.
