A software application programming interface that allows third-party systems to communicate with elevator controllers or cloud platforms to request car dispatch, query status, and receive event notifications.
Full Definition
Elevator APIs expose functions such as requesting a car to a specific floor, querying current car position and availability, receiving door open/close events, and triggering special modes. They enable integration with building access control systems, visitor management software, smart phone apps, and lobby kiosks. APIs use standard web protocols (REST, MQTT, WebSocket) and require authentication tokens and rate limiting for security. Major elevator manufacturers and digital twin platforms publish proprietary APIs; the Open Building Interface (OBI) initiative aims to standardise elevator API protocols across the industry.
