Introduction
Service robots are already part of our daily lives: in hospitals, hotels, restaurants, warehouses, and office buildings. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), the professional service robot market is growing at a rate of more than 25% annually, with healthcare, hospitality, and logistics being the main fields of application.
Despite this impressive growth, one barrier remains: access to the elevator.
The Problem Today
- Lack of common standards
- Elevators operate with different systems (CAN, Modbus, RS-485, proprietary APIs). There is no universal communication standard for robots.
- Safety and regulations
- The elevator is a critical means of transporting people. Interaction with robots must be certified according to EN81, ISO, and local regulations.
- Physical barriers
- Entering and exiting the cabin, door response times, obstacle detection – all require advanced computer vision systems.
- Legacy infrastructure
- 80% of buildings worldwide do not have “smart” elevators, which limits the autonomous movement of robots.
The Role of On-Device AI and Edge Computing
Service robots equipped with on-device AI can:
- Recognize floors, doors, and buttons with computer vision.
- Make real-time decisions without relying on Wi-Fi or the cloud.
- Improve safety with low latency and high reliability.
The integration of edge computing reduces the need for constant connectivity and paves the way for cooperation with elevators that lack digital interfaces.
Examples of International Collaborations
- KONE: developed an API that allows service robots to call an elevator through the KONE DX Class elevators platform.
- Otis: collaborates with robotics start-ups to integrate control systems that enable robots to communicate directly with elevators.
- Schindler: launched PORT Technology with cloud-based communication capabilities to facilitate robotic integration.
- Hyundai – Motional (San Francisco): demonstrated the use of robot taxis and autonomous shuttles, proving that autonomous mobility is already mature on the road – but still limited inside buildings.
Personal Experience from San Francisco
During my recent visit to San Francisco, the picture was striking:
- Service robots moved freely in hotels and cafés.
- Robot taxis transported people on the streets.
- Autonomous buses operated on specific routes.
Autonomous mobility is already a reality. However, the moment robots tried to pass through the elevator door… they stopped. This is the last barrier to full autonomy.
The Future: Smart Elevators + Service Robots
The solution lies in three pillars:
- Smart elevators with APIs and IoT
- On-device AI & edge computing for real-time decision-making
- New safety standards and certifications for human–robot collaboration
With these, robots will no longer be limited to one floor but will move autonomously throughout the entire building.
📩 Do you want to learn more about the solution we are preparing?
Book an appointment with us and let’s discuss how we can help your organization step into the next era of autonomous service.
According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), the professional service robot market is growing at a rate of more than 25% annually, with healthcare, hospitality, and logistics being the main fields of application.