Touchless Elevator Technology: The New Standard for Building Safety in a Post-Pandemic World

From Convenience to Necessity: The Shift in Vertical Transportation

The global pandemic fundamentally reshaped our perception of shared public spaces. Everyday objects we once used without a second thought—door handles, light switches, and especially elevator buttons—became focal points of hygiene concerns. As we navigate a world where health and safety are paramount, the demand for innovative solutions that minimize physical contact has surged. For building owners and facility managers, this has accelerated the adoption of what was once a futuristic luxury: touchless elevator technology.

No longer just a feature of high-end smart buildings, contactless elevator systems are rapidly becoming the new standard for safety, efficiency, and tenant confidence. This technology moves beyond simple hygiene, offering a seamless, secure, and intelligent experience that enhances the value and appeal of any property. In Pakistan’s rapidly growing urban centers, embracing these advancements is not just about modernization; it’s about setting a new benchmark for public health and safety in vertical transportation.

Why Touchless Elevators are More Than Just a Hygienic Upgrade

While the initial driver for touchless technology was hygiene, its benefits extend far beyond preventing the spread of germs. Integrating these systems offers a multi-faceted return on investment by improving building operations, security, and the overall user experience.

Enhancing Health and Safety

The most immediate benefit is the elimination of a major cross-contamination point. Research has consistently shown that high-touch surfaces are breeding grounds for bacteria. One study published in the journal Open Medicine found that elevator buttons had a higher prevalence of bacterial colonization (61%) than toilet surfaces. Another report highlighted that bacteria levels on elevator buttons can be up to 40 times higher than on a public toilet seat. By replacing physical buttons with gesture controls, voice commands, or mobile apps, you create a visibly safer and more reassuring environment for everyone.

Boosting Efficiency and People Flow

Modern touchless systems are often integrated with destination dispatch technology. Instead of pushing a button and waiting, passengers select their destination floor from a lobby kiosk or their smartphone. The system then intelligently groups passengers heading to the same or nearby floors and assigns them to a specific elevator. This minimizes wait times, reduces the number of stops, and optimizes energy consumption, leading to a smoother and faster journey for tenants and visitors.

Strengthening Building Security

Touchless solutions, particularly those using mobile credentials, offer a powerful layer of access control. Building managers can grant or restrict access to specific floors based on user profiles, time of day, or security clearance. This ensures that only authorized individuals can reach sensitive areas, such as executive floors, data centers, or private residences. This integration transforms the elevator from a simple mode of transport into an active component of your building’s security infrastructure.

Future-Proofing Your Property

Investing in touchless elevator technology is a forward-thinking decision that enhances property value. In today’s competitive real estate market, tenants and buyers expect modern amenities that prioritize health and convenience. A building equipped with smart, contactless elevators is not only more attractive but is also prepared for future technological advancements and evolving public health standards. It signals a commitment to quality and innovation, making your property a more desirable place to live and work.

The Technology Behind the Touch-Free Experience

Touchless elevator control is not a single technology but a suite of solutions that can be implemented individually or in combination to suit a building’s specific needs. Key innovations include:

• Mobile App Integration: This allows users to call an elevator and select their destination directly from their smartphone. Companies like Schindler and TK Elevator offer APIs that can integrate these controls into a building’s existing tenant app, creating a unified and branded experience.
• Gesture Control: Using infrared or motion sensors, these systems allow users to select a floor by simply pointing or waving their hand in front of a sensor. Some advanced systems even use holographic projections of buttons that respond to mid-air “touches.”
• Voice Activation: Leveraging AI and natural language processing, voice-controlled elevators allow passengers to simply state their desired floor. This is an intuitive and highly accessible option for all users.
• QR Code Systems: A simple yet effective solution where users scan a QR code with their phone to open a web-based control panel, allowing them to operate the elevator from their personal device without needing to download an app.

The Rise of Touchless Technology in Pakistan’s Urban Development

As Pakistan’s cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad continue to expand vertically, the demand for sophisticated building infrastructure is at an all-time high. New commercial towers, luxury residential complexes, and state-of-the-art healthcare facilities require elevator systems that meet global standards of safety and efficiency. Touchless technology is no longer a niche market but a critical component of modern construction and elevator modernization in Pakistan.

By adopting these advanced systems, developers can differentiate their properties, attract premium tenants, and demonstrate a commitment to public well-being. As a leading provider of vertical transportation solutions, Hub Elevator is at the forefront of introducing these innovative technologies to the Pakistani market, ensuring our clients’ buildings are safe, smart, and ready for the future.

Global Trends and the Future Outlook

The shift towards touchless technology is a global phenomenon, with significant market growth expected in the coming years. This trend is driven by ongoing health awareness, the rise of smart buildings, and continuous technological innovation.

Market Growth and Projections

The market for touchless elevator solutions is expanding rapidly. According to a report by Business Research Insights, the global touchless elevators market was valued at approximately USD 2.12 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 3.99 billion by 2033. This steady growth underscores the long-term viability and increasing adoption of these systems worldwide.

Integration with the Internet of Things (IoT)

The future of elevators lies in their integration with the broader Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. Connected elevators can communicate with building management systems to optimize energy usage, report maintenance needs predictively before a breakdown occurs, and even coordinate with security and HVAC systems. This creates a truly intelligent and responsive building environment, where every component works in harmony to enhance safety and efficiency.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the benefits are clear, challenges remain, particularly the cost and complexity of retrofitting older buildings. However, the opportunity to enhance property value, reduce operational costs through efficiency gains, and meet the evolving expectations of tenants presents a compelling business case. For new constructions, incorporating touchless technology from the outset is a strategic investment that pays dividends in safety, satisfaction, and marketability.

Elevate Your Building’s Standard with Hub Elevator

The era of the conventional elevator is fading. Touchless technology is the new benchmark for safety, intelligence, and user experience in modern buildings. From enhancing hygiene and security to boosting operational efficiency and property value, the advantages are undeniable.

Whether you are constructing a new high-rise or looking to modernize an existing property, it’s time to invest in the future of vertical transportation. As the best elevator company in Pakistan, Hub Elevator offers expert guidance and state-of-the-art solutions tailored to your needs.

Ready to make your building safer and smarter? Contact our team today for a personalized consultation. Let us help you explore the best touchless solutions, from advanced passenger elevators to seamless elevator installation services that will elevate your property to the next level.