Imagine stepping into a lift and reaching your destination, without ever pressing a button or worrying about who touched it last. For many of us managing busy commercial spaces, the realities of hygiene, accessibility, and keeping spaces safe are always front of mind. Now, the leap towards touchless lift and elevator controls feels less like science fiction, more like practical innovation.
Rising interest in touchless technology began in response to the pandemic, but what’s really exciting is how these smart systems now deliver everyday peace of mind for tenants, security teams, and building managers alike. Not only are new regulations across Europe pushing buildings toward touchless solutions, but the market is predicted to more than double by 2033, proof this is no passing trend.
Whether running a busy office block, a bustling shopping centre, or overseeing facilities for vulnerable residents, the shift is clear: touchless elevator access control is quickly becoming an essential feature in modern, safe, and efficient buildings. Throughout this guide, find out how next-generation lift controls make every journey more comfortable, secure, and hygienic for every passenger, every day.
Beyond COVID: The Permanent Shift
High-touch surfaces, especially lift buttons, harbour up to 40 times more bacteria than toilet seats, rendering physical contact a significant hygiene risk. For building managers, unwanted growth of harmful bacteria, operational inefficiency in high-traffic buildings, accessibility barriers for disabled and elderly users, and security gaps in conventional access control systems present urgent issues.
Modern touchless elevator controls respond to these needs through:
- Voice recognition and command systems
- Mobile app and QR code interfaces
- Biometric authentication (facial/fingerprint)
- Gesture and holographic controls
- Proximity and infrared sensors
Current Touchless Elevator Technologies in Commercial Buildings
Voice-Activated Systems
Smart lift technology now employs reliable IR sensing units and advanced AI-powered speech recognition algorithms. These systems feature multi-language support, accent adaptation, and integration with voice assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant. Commercial solutions such as the Voice Recognition Elevator System (VRES) enable hands-free operation, even in noisy environments, by using machine learning models for real-time accuracy and user authentication.
Key benefits of this type of lift modernisation include germ reduction, enhanced accessibility for mobility-impaired or visually impaired users, and improved security for authorised users. However, privacy and performance could be challenged in high-noise settings or for certain accents.
Mobile App and QR Code Systems
Leading touchless lift controls, such as Schindler ElevateMe, Fujitec M Touch, C.E. Electronics, and Rosslare SafeLift, use mobile credentials and QR codes for elevator access. QR codes may be placed on door frames or call button areas, working with 4G/LTE connectivity or Bluetooth for offline operation. Cloud-based security protocols ensure only authorised users reach selected floors.
User experience is optimised with intuitive interfaces, favourite destination storage, geolocation integration, and one-time app installation triggered by QR code scanning. These systems provide DDA code compliance and extra large pressel options for low-rise and larger buildings.
Biometric Authentication Systems
Facial and fingerprint recognition solutions, such as Schindler BuilT-In and Magnet EX1, utilise dual-lens verification for real person identification, ensuring local GDPR-compliant data storage. Buildings benefit from visitor management system compatibility, real-time passenger tracking, access reader integration for secure lift access, and scheduled permissions for certain floors.
Encrypted biometric data, anti-spoofing technology, and robust audit logging contribute to a secure, vandal-resistant elevator environment.
Advanced Interface Technologies
Holographic Controls
The Schindler CleanCall HoloVoice system projects virtual buttons mid-air, detected by invisible infrared lasers for completely contactless operation. Voice command integration allows passengers to call touchless units and select their destination securely.
Gesture Recognition Systems
Touchless units with gesture detection offer swipe, spin, zoom, and writing motion recognition, operating via reliable IR sensing units and black or white polycarbonate surfaces. These high-tech controls instil consumer confidence and boost hygiene in elevator cabs.
Smart Building Integration and IoT Connectivity
Internet of Things (IoT) Integration
Smart elevators now connect with building management systems for real-time communication, predictive maintenance via sensor data, and energy use optimisation. They also integrate seamlessly with security teams to monitor occupancy data, access credentials, and modify remote access rights for certain floors.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
AI-driven maintenance predicts component wear, minimising downtime by up to 50%, while smart dispatch systems optimise passenger flows and wait times, reducing energy costs and operating disruption.
Personalised settings in elevator cabs, such as lighting and music, adapt to individual users, enhancing accessibility and comfort for visitors and staff.
Destination Dispatch and Intelligent Control Systems
Industry Market Projections and Technology Features
Destination dispatch systems are driving market growth, estimated to reach £2.65 billion globally by 2034, with an annual growth rate of 11%. These systems use AI-driven analytics, IoT connectivity, and touchless control integration to achieve energy efficiency and compliance.
Benefits include passenger grouping, wait time reduction, accessibility enhancement, and secure access control for authorised users in low-rise and larger buildings.
Advanced Dispatch Technologies
The Otis Compass Infinity uses adaptive ML algorithms for traffic learning, while Nidec systems offer accessible function buttons, voice announcements, and integration with building security to serve both standard and disabled passengers.
Health, Safety, and Hygiene Considerations
Infection Control and Public Health
Eliminating high-touch surfaces such as lift pushbuttons help reduce spread of communicable diseases and support the new hygiene standards. Antimicrobial protection is introduced via copper surfaces and natural materials, supported by air purification systems with FDA-approved technology.
Accessibility and Universal Design
Features like DDA code compliance, voice-activated controls, standard English braille dots, extended boarding times, and multi-modal interactions ensure universal access for all users, including the elderly and temporarily restricted.
Economic Impact and Return on Investment
Financial Benefits and Cost Analysis
Touchless lift controls deliver operational savings of 15-30% through automation. Predictive maintenance cuts downtime by half, extends component life, lowers repair costs, and protects property value, supporting premium positioning in the property market.
Implementation Strategies
Adopting touchless technology through phased lift modernisation balances investment with operational returns, allowing building managers to reinvest early savings and select technologies that suit property-specific needs, reliability, and scalability demands.
Regulatory Compliance and Industry Standards
Regulatory Landscape
2025 safety standards enforce enhanced door protection and accessibility, making touchless units essential for building owners to maintain code compliance and reduce liability. European mandates specify timelines for public building compliance, giving early adopters a regulatory advantage.
Insurance and Risk Management
Premium reductions accompany advanced security and hygiene measures, while predictive maintenance and audit logging mitigate risks and support comprehensive incident documentation.
Implementation Challenges and Solutions
Technical Hurdles
Environmental factors, legacy system compatibility, and multi-vendor coordination require thorough planning. The reliable IR sensing unit must be verified across different lighting and user scenarios, while wireless connectivity is vital.
User Adoption and Change Management
Onboarding involves staff training, tenant and visitor education, and digital literacy support. Behavioural change is encouraged via incentives and feedback systems, communicated with clarity to build trust and adoption.
Closing Thoughts
Touchless elevator technology is a strategic investment for commercial property managers, enabling competitive advantage, tenant retention, and long-term asset value creation. Implementing reliable and compatible sensor units, integrating with DDA-compliant systems and security teams, and choosing scalable, easy-to-install technologies ensures every lift upgrade delivers measurable benefits.
If you’re ready to consider modernising your lift system, our team at Future Lift Services can help.
With years of experience in the industry, our expert lift engineers have the expertise and skills to carry out a range of lift modernisation solutions effectively and efficiently. We offer a range of lift services, including modernisation, lift installation,maintenance, and more.
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FAQs
How do touchless lift controls differ from traditional elevators?
Traditional elevators rely on physical contact with lift buttons, often leading to hygiene concerns and slower operation, whereas touchless lift technology makes selecting a destination floor quick, hygienic and accessible. The key features of touchless units, such as gesture controls and voice activation, help save time while reducing exposure to bacteria and promoting safer travel for every user.
Do touchless lift controls provide DDA code compliance for low rise buildings?
Yes, touchless lift systems are primarily designed with accessibility in mind and can provide full DDA code compliance. Features like standard English braille dots, extended boarding times and audible announcement options ensure both low rise buildings and larger properties meet the legal requirements, supporting access for visually impaired and mobility-restricted users.
Is the installation of touchless lift technology straightforward and time-saving?
Modern touchless lift controls are engineered for simple installation perfect for upgrading existing elevator cabs or installing in new buildings. Technology makes integration seamless and most touchless units can be installed with minimal disruption, allowing property managers to save time while enhancing hygiene and accessibility for all passengers.