Otis Elevator has launched its new lift technology into the China market, replacing the traditional bulky steel cable lift supports with durable polyurethane-coated steel belts.
Based on steel radial tyre technology, the 30-millimetre wide and 3mm thick belts used in the Gen2 system are the first major technological advance in lift technology in nearly 150 years.
Depending on the length of the lift, each will be equipped with three to five belts, each capable of bearing 3.6 tonnes.
Otis believes that while the initial price of the new gearless technology, first launched 10 months ago in Europe, is higher than traditional steel cables, the Gen2 system will reduce overall net costs.
'The fact that we have not yet introduced Gen2 in the United States suggests the importance of China and the Asian market to us,' Otis president and chief executive Stephen Page said at the launch yesterday.
'This is not only a reinforcement of our commitment to the China market, but is yet another major effort towards strengthening our product and service offering to our customers.'
The Gen2 system is powered by a machine one-quarter the size of those in traditional lifts. All requisite machinery is contained within the lift, increasing rental space by eliminating the need for a machine room.