Rethinking the design of escalators
Architects can now create escalators in any shape they want, even freeform curves, following the development of a system known as the Levytator by Jack Levy, an Emeritus Professor of Mechanical Engineering at City University in London. The concept can also carry twice as many people as a traditional escalator, at a comparable price.
Unlike traditional designs, where redundant steps move underneath those in use, the Levytator uses a continuous loop of curved modules that can follow any path upward, flatten and straighten out and descend again — all with passengers on board.
All the steps can be accessed from above, making maintenance much easier.
The technology has been patented in the UK, Europe, the USA and China. City University is seeking strategic partnerships with architects and manufacturers to take the Levytator to market.
