Intelligent Digital Escalator Monitoring System (i-DEMS) (REF: C-0007)
E&M InnoPortal Trial Project Ref. No.:

Overview

Escalators are indispensable parts of daily life, commonly found in shopping malls, train stations, office buildings, etc. 

However, some operational problems can arise, posing safety risks to passengers. Human problems such as foreign objects falling into the escalator tunnel, heavy baggage impeding passage or malfunctioning parts can lead to abrupt stops of escalators, resulting in dangerous consequences.

To reduce the risks of such events, the intelligent digital escalator monitoring system (i-DEMS) was developed. This system monitors and automatically collects real-time data on escalator operations. By leveraging cloud computing technology, it analyses the data to identify potential anomalies and predict potential failures. This system promptly notifies the person in charge and maintenance staff through machine learning and applications, which enables more efficient predictive maintenance work.

Problem Addressed

The objective of i-DEMS is to enhance the safety and reliability of escalators, minimise the likelihood of common incidents and reduce the number of passenger injuries. This is achieved through the adoption of predictive maintenance, which proactively identifies early faults and schedules maintenance works in advance.

The invention not only ensures the safe operation of escalators but also effectively reduces escalator downtime, avoids unnecessary checks and achieves cost reduction.
Innovation

iDEMS, is an intelligent escalator sensing system that comprises optical fiber sensing technologies, high accuracy electronic sensors, artificial intelligence and machine learning. Its purpose is to provide comprehensive and real-time monitoring of escalators, aiming to minimise the likelihood of common escalator incidents, including defects of escalator step rollers, handrail synchronization issues, jamming of foreign objects at escalator combs, and main drive failure due to overheated motors or abnormal vibration.

The system operates with a mobile application to display analysed data to users and promptly notify them for any detected problems. 

Contrary to traditional maintenance practices, i-DEMS offers real-time monitoring to escalators. The non-invasive design does not affect the normal operation and its application is unaffected by the elevator brand.
Key Benefits
  • Provides real-time monitoring to critical components of escalators, including step rollers, combs, handrails and motors that facilitates efficient inspections, maintenance and repairing works
  • Accelerates the identification of potential mechanical problems
  • Reduces the escalator downtime
  • Detects any early sign of deterioration
  • Avoids unnecessary checks and reduces costs
  • Reduces the risk of serious incidents and hence, enhances escalator safety
Patent and Award
  • Intellectual Property Department,  Short-term Patent: HK30014790
  • Intellectual Property Department,  Short-term Patent: HK30032262
  • International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva 2022 (Gold Medal)
Project Reference

Mong Kok Langham Place, Tuen Mun Siu Lun Government Complex, Central Mid-Level, Queensway Government Offices
Other Reference

https://youtu.be/4vsWPrk4vKg (Video Introduction)