The addition of IoT sensors, connectivity modules, and remote monitoring to an existing elevator without full modernisation.
Full Definition
An elevator smart retrofit is a targeted digital upgrade that installs IoT (Internet of Things) sensing and connectivity hardware on an existing elevator to enable remote condition monitoring, predictive maintenance, fault alerting, and performance analytics — without requiring replacement of the main drive, controller, or cabin. Typical smart retrofit hardware includes: a vibration and acoustic emission sensor array mounted on the car frame or machine room to monitor door operation quality, ride comfort, safety gear, and motor bearing condition; a door cycle counter and close-force sensor; a power meter on the motor drive; a positioning encoder or magnetic hall-sensor strip; and a 4G/LTE or Wi-Fi gateway that aggregates sensor data and transmits it to a cloud platform. The cloud platform applies machine-learning algorithms to detect early deviation from baseline performance — e.g., deteriorating door operator response, increasing car vibration, or rising motor temperature — and alerts the maintenance technician before a failure or unplanned shutdown occurs. Smart retrofits are typically installed in 2–4 hours without taking the elevator out of service for extended periods, and do not modify any safety-critical circuit. Integration with the elevator controller is read-only (monitoring only) or uses approved non-intrusive tap points. EN 81-20 requires that any attachment to the elevator does not compromise the integrity of the safety chain or introduce new hazards.
