Otis Autotronic

Otis Autotronic was an automatic programmed elevator system introduced by Otis in 1948.

Overview

Otis Autotronic elevator was the first elevator to consider traffic patterns and peak times. Unlike previous automated models, these elevators were large, fast, and could change speeds and adjust their schedules to suit traffic demands, bypassing floors when fully loaded. These elevators were also capable of launching themselves to wherever they were needed, based on time of day and anticipated traffic patterns. They also included electronic door sensors that could detect a person so they would not close on them. Otis Elevoice, a voice, was an option.

The first Autotronic system was installed in the Atlantic Refining building in Dallas, Texas in 1950.

Fixtures

Further information: Otis Elevator Fixtures Guide (American)#Touch_sensitive_buttons

Most Autoronic elevators from the 1950s to early 1980s are using square Lexan touch-sensitive buttons. However, due to a fire hazard claim, these fixtures on existing Autotronic elevators today are being replaced with newer ADA-compliant fixtures.

Some early Autotronic elevators used pop-out buttons similar to the ones used on early Westinghouse Selectomatic elevators.

Notable installations

Australia

• 309 George Street, Sydney

Canada

• The Tower Hotel (Minolta Tower), Niagara Falls, Ontario
• 505 2nd St., Calgary, Alberta

Hong Kong, China

• Bank Center, Mong Kok, Hong Kong (1975)
• Nan Fung Centre, Hong Kong (1983)
• Central Pacific, Hong Kong (1964)
• Regent Centre, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong (1983)
• Unicorn Trade Centre, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong (1964)
• Citycorp Centre, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong (1985)
• Happiness Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
• South Seas Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong (1982)

Singapore

• Peninsula Excelsior Hotel, Singapore (1975)

United States of America

• Sibley Tower, Rochester, NY
• Macy's, Pittsburgh, PA
• Frick Building, Pittsburgh, PA
• Macy's, Chicago, IL
• Macy's (Formerly Kaufmann's), Pittsburgh, PA
• Sheraton Hotel (formerly Blake Hotel), Charlotte, NC
• Robert E Lee Building, Jackson, MS
• Bank of the West Tower (outside downtown), Albuquerque, NM
• 300 East Main Street, El Paso, TX
• Baker Building, Minneapolis, MN
• 401 Lincoln Road, Miami, FL
• Nix Hospital, San Antonio, TX
• 500 North Main Street, Roswell, NM
• The Statler Hotel, Dallas TX
• The Fontainebleau Hotel, Miami Beach, FL
• Atlantic Refining Building, Dallas, TX
• Ivey Building, Charlotte, NC
• Harrah's West Tower in Reno, Nevada
• Sheraton Hotel North Tower, Boston, MA (1964)
• Starks Building, Louisville, KY
• Cygnet Building, Colorado Springs, CO
• FirstBank Tower, Colorado Springs, CO

Trivia

• There are three similar elevator systems to Otis Autotronic; Westinghouse Selectomatic, Express Lift DMR Control, and Dover Computamatic.

Videos

AMAZING Otis Autotronic elevator @ Sibleys Tower Rochester NY

Otis Autotronic elevators in Sibley Tower, Rochester, NY (video: Dieselducy).

VINTAGE 1960s Otis Touch Sensitive Traction Elevators @ 500 N. Main St. Roswell, NM

Otis Autotronic elevators at the Bank of America building in Roswell, NM (video: CubsRule2040)

Old Otis Autotronic Elevator @ Macy's Pittsburgh PA

Otis Autotronic elevators in Macy's Pittsburgh PA (video: Dieselducy).

External link

• The 5-Year Elevator Physical - Elevator Blog