Otis Korea unveils AI inspection robot, supertall elevator tech at 2026 expo

Otis Elevator Korea is showcasing elevator technology for supertall buildings, digitally connected maintenance services and modernization solutions for aging elevators at the 2026 Korea International Elevator Expo.

The company said it is operating an exhibition pavilion under the theme "Higher, Faster, Smarter" at the expo, which opened Wednesday at Hall 5 of Kintex Exhibition Center 1 in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. Otis Korea is the South Korean subsidiary of Otis Worldwide Corporation, a global manufacturer and service provider of elevators and escalators.

Otis Korea CEO Jung Ji-hoon spoke at the opening ceremony. "As Korea's population and infrastructure age, the importance of reliable, accessible mobility for everyone is growing," Jung said. "Otis has been part of Korea's urban development for more than 100 years, and at this expo we are presenting a range of technologies — spanning supertall elevator systems, digital services and modernization solutions — to help people move more safely and conveniently."

The Otis Robust, a high-capacity elevator launched this year, is designed to meet rising demand from critical infrastructure that operates around the clock, including multi-story data centers, airports, hospitals and industrial facilities. It offers up to five times the load capacity and twice the door-opening width of a standard passenger elevator. The company is also introducing the Otis SkyRise Prime, a platform tailored to the growing demand for supertall residential buildings.

Otis ONE, an IoT-based remote maintenance solution, supports predictive maintenance, real-time equipment monitoring and remote response to improve elevator uptime and service quality. The Otis Global Service app, which helps field engineers with rapid and accurate parts supply and proactive quality management, will also be on display. Demonstrations of an AI inspection robot that autonomously detects potential hazards and sends advance alerts will run throughout the event.

Otis eView, an in-elevator display, shows customized content including building news, weather and equipment information, and connects passengers to a customer care center via voice and video call in emergencies. An added AI function automatically detects and responds to changes inside the elevator cabin, such as a passenger in need of assistance. The company is also presenting an integrated operations concept exploring the use of drones for parcel delivery and elevator inspection and maintenance.

Solutions addressing aging infrastructure and an older population were also on show. The Otis Viva Solution is designed to improve accessibility and safety for elderly and other passengers through features such as adjustable door-closing speed and additional handrails. The Otis Gen3 Mode helps building owners upgrade existing vertical transportation systems to the digital-based Otis Gen3 platform, improving performance, reliability and the passenger experience while extending equipment lifespan.

The Otis Link Mode, a modernization solution for commercial escalators, supports upgrades of aging units to make them safer and more efficient. Also on display is Otis's next-generation smart elevator control platform, which can be expanded with new digital features and services even after installation.

The Global Landmark Zone presents video footage of major domestic and international buildings equipped with Otis solutions, alongside a mockup of the Gen3 digitally connected elevator. A video making its debut at this expo, titled "A Day in Seoul with Otis," captures the city's major landmarks — including Lotte World Tower, N Seoul Tower, Incheon International Airport and the Seoul International Finance Centre — through the eyes of a foreign tourist.

Meanwhile, Otis Korea is actively pursuing elevator replacement contracts at aging apartment complexes nationwide, with work already under way at seven complexes across Seoul, Gimpo, Incheon, Namyangju, Yongin and Jinhae in South Gyeongsang Province.