CHINESE MANUFACTURERS DEVELOPING ANTIVIRAL VT PRODUCTS

       In addition to passengers coming up with their own methods to lessen the possibility of transmission of COVID-19 when using vertical-transportation (VT) equipment, Chinese manufacturers are devising solutions, Zhang Lexiang, secretary general of the China Elevator Association, said on LinkedIn. Elevator cabins are a particular area of concern, with passengers avoiding contact with buttons by using toothpicks to push them. Chinese manufacturers have developed antiviral buttons, coatings and steel panels, as well as contactless elevator call systems that use voice/facial recognition, smartphones or activation by foot or hand gestures. Taking cues from the airline industry, Chinese manufacturers have redesigned ventilation systems and are integrating ultraviolet-light disinfection systems into both elevators and escalators. "A lot of health-related elevator and escalator products are under development," Lexiang said. "The postponed World Elevator & Escalator Expo provides a good opportunity for suppliers to display their latest health-related elevator products."