October 29, 2004 Mitsubishi Electric is developing an escalator that increases acceleration speed to 1.5-times normal at the slope compared with the boarding zone, redefining the perception that safe means slow whilst speeding up the journey from A to B over long distances.
A major name in elevators and escalators since the 1930s, Mitsubishi Electric is responsible for breakthroughs like the spiral escalator that have opened up entirely new possibilities for large-scale public space design.
The current inclination escalator was built using a 1/5th scale miniature model to establish the basic technology that allows the escalator to accelerate on the incline. At the boarding zone, the escalator runs at normal speed so passengers can board slowly and carefully. As the escalator enters the incline, the step intervals extend and the step runs at high speed, causing the escalator to accelerate. Finally, at the landing zone, the step interval returns to normal, allowing passengers to disembark comfortably.
By reducing the ride time, the prototype inclination escalator will transport people more quickly and safely.
http://global.mitsubishielectric.com/company/r_and_d/innovations/index.html
