Escalator+3.0

TORONTO- Team Africaa presents revolutionized third generation escalator-** **Escalator 3.0 ** A group of four University of Toronto Mississauga students in the CCIT program (Communications, Culture and Information Technology) undertook extensive research to identify and solve fundamental design problems with escalators as part of a course requirement. The result of the three months research and redesign process is a SMART Escalator that is more energy efficient, accessible and increases the safety of its users.
 * PRESS RELEASE- 30TH Mar 2009

During their research, the team realized escalators consume 2.6 Billion kilowatt hours annually in the United States. Additional findings revealed that 11,000 individuals experienced escalator related injury and that 27 of them died as a result of them annually in the United States. It was also discovered that escalators were inaccessible to culturally incompetent individuals, children and individuals with physical impairments.

During the research, the team identified major factors that pose safety threats to escalator users. They realized individuals especially those with physical impairments frequently trip at entry and exit points of escalators. To solve this problem, the entry and exit points were made slower to reduce the sudden change in motion which is a major cause of escalator accidents. To also help users prepare for the sudden change, the escalator was equipped with auditory sounds informing individuals as they approach the entry/exit points. This will be especially helpful to visually impaired individuals who need prior warning because of their lack of visual awareness of the coming transition. The metal grids on escalators were replaced with reinforced synthetic rubber. The team claims there is no single visible open space that can trap shoe laces and clothing’s. This reduces the probability of falling. The use of synthetic rubber also ensures that the impact of a fall on the escalator is not fatal.

The use of synthetic rubber significantly reduced the mass of the escalator which in turn reduces energy consumption. Other strides taken to reduce energy consumption was to ensure that the escalators only work when they are being used. This was done by placing weight activated sensors a few steps away from the escalator. Upon stepping, the escalator automatically activates itself. The team hopes the design community at large can use this as an inspiration to be more user focused when designing products. Segun Dada, the project coordinator who is currently a fourth year Management and CCIT student affirmed that “what we have done is taken the escalator and improved it to meet the actual realities of life of its users who depend on it in their daily lives. We have taken the escalator to the people. I am truly proud of this project. However this revolution wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of my hardworking and highly talented team. You guys Rock!” The team currently plans on mass manufacturing Escalator 3.0 in early 2010. Visit their wikispace for additional information: http://teamafricaa.wikispaces.com/