The Invisible Revolution
You use an elevator every day. You press a button, wait, and step in. It seems simple. However, behind those steel doors lies a complex world of electronics and mechanics. Technology moves fast. The elevator you rode ten years ago is a dinosaur compared to what is available today. In Bangladesh, the “Fuji” brand represents a massive slice of this market. But what are you actually buying? This article peels back the metal layers to reveal the technology inside a modern Fuji elevator.
The “Fuji” Ecosystem Explained
First, we must clear the air. “Fuji” in Bangladesh is rarely a single company. Rather, it is a technology standard. While Fuji Electric in Japan is the grandfather, many manufacturers in China now produce “Fuji” lifts. They use Japanese engineering principles combined with Chinese manufacturing scale. Therefore, the technology you get is a hybrid. It is affordable yet advanced. Understanding the components helps you know if you are getting a good deal or a cheap clone.
The Heart: Gearless Traction Machines (PMSM)
In the old days, elevators used massive geared motors. They were loud, oily, and hungry for electricity. Today, the standard for Fuji lifts is the Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM). This is a gearless machine. Because it has no gears, it creates no friction noise. It is smaller than a refrigerator. It uses powerful magnets to move the cabin. Therefore, it consumes about 40% less electricity than older models. If a supplier tries to sell you a geared motor in 2025, refuse it. They are selling you history.
The Brain: Integrated Controllers
The controller is the computer that runs the show. In the past, the “drive” (which powers the motor) and the “logic board” (which decides where to go) were separate. They talked through wires. This was messy. Modern Fuji lifts use Integrated Controllers. The drive and the computer are one single unit. Brands like Monarch (NICE 3000+) or Step are the industry standards here. Because they are integrated, the reaction time is faster. The ride is smoother. Diagnosing a problem is as simple as plugging in a laptop.
The Pulse: VVVF Drive Technology
You might hear the term “VVVF” thrown around by salesmen. It stands for Variable Voltage Variable Frequency. But what does it do? Imagine a car driver who slams on the gas and then slams on the brakes. That is an old elevator. Now, imagine a chauffeur who accelerates gently and glides to a stop. That is VVVF. This technology controls the electrical pulse sent to the motor. It adjusts the speed thousands of times per second. Therefore, you do not spill your coffee when the lift starts. It is mandatory technology for any modern building.
Machine Room-Less (MRL) Architecture
Traditionally, every building needed a “doghouse” on the roof for the elevator machine. This ruined the look of the building. It wasted valuable space. Today, Fuji technology offers Machine Room-Less (MRL) designs. The powerful PMSM motor is so small it sits inside the shaft itself, usually at the top. Therefore, your roof is free. You can build a rooftop garden or a terrace. While MRL lifts cost slightly more to install, the architectural freedom is worth it.
Door Operator Intelligence
The door is the most hardworking part of the system. It moves twice for every one trip. Old doors banged shut with a mechanical arm. Modern Fuji lifts use VVVF Door Operators. Yes, the same smooth technology used for the main motor is used for the door. The controller learns the weight of the door. It knows exactly how much force to use. If the door meets resistance (like a hand), it reverses instantly. This digital control reduces breakdowns significantly.
The Safety Shield: UCMP
Safety technology has evolved beyond just mechanical brakes. A critical new feature is Unintended Car Movement Protection (UCMP). Sometimes, a brake might slip, or a gear might fail. The lift could drift away from the floor with the doors open. This is terrifying. UCMP detects this drift within inches. It triggers an emergency brake instantly. It is an electronic guardian that watches the lift when it is standing still. Ensure your Fuji spec sheet mentions UCMP.
Automatic Rescue Device (ARD) 2.0
We all know about ARD in Bangladesh. It saves us during load shedding. However, the technology has improved. Older ARD systems used heavy lead-acid batteries that died every two years. Modern Fuji systems are moving toward Lithium-Ion or improved battery management systems. They charge faster and hold a charge longer. Some advanced controllers even monitor the battery health. They warn you before the battery dies. Therefore, you are not caught off guard during a blackout.
Regenerative Braking: Green Energy
This is cutting-edge tech that is slowly entering the Dhaka market. When a heavy lift goes down, gravity does most of the work. The motor acts like a generator. Usually, this energy is wasted as heat through a resistor. However, Regenerative Drives capture this energy. They clean it and send it back into your building’s grid. You can use this power to light your lobby. While it is expensive upfront, it is the ultimate green statement.
Destination Control Systems (DCS)
Have you ever seen a lift lobby with no buttons on the wall, just a keypad or touchscreen? You type your floor, and it tells you “Go to Lift A.” This is Destination Control. It is available in high-end Fuji commercial lifts. Instead of everyone crowding into the first open door, the computer groups people. All passengers for the 5th floor go to Lift A. All passengers for the 10th floor go to Lift B. It reduces wait times during rush hour. It is pure efficiency.
IoT and Remote Monitoring
The internet has reached the elevator shaft. High-end Fuji installations now offer Internet of Things (IoT) modules. The elevator sends data to the cloud continuously. It reports its speed, door cycles, and vibration levels. If a part starts to wear out, the computer notices the pattern. It alerts the service company before the lift breaks. This is called predictive maintenance. It changes the game from “fix it when it breaks” to “fix it before it breaks.”
Touchless Interfaces
The pandemic changed how we touch public surfaces. Fuji technology adapted quickly. You can now get call buttons that work with RFID cards or even QR codes. You scan your card, and the lift takes you to your floor automatically. Some systems use Gesture Call buttons. You simply wave your hand in front of the panel to call the lift. This reduces the spread of germs. It adds a layer of futuristic hygiene to your building.
Tropicalization of Circuit Boards
Bangladesh is hot and humid. Humidity kills electronics. Standard European boards often fail here because they are not ready for 90% humidity. However, Fuji technology adapted for Asia usually includes Conformal Coating. This is a chemical spray that seals the circuit boards. It protects the microchips from moisture, dust, and even insects. When buying, ask if the controller boards are tropicalized. It is a small detail that saves you from expensive failures.
Aesthetic Tech: LCD vs. Dot Matrix
The display inside the cabin is your interface. Old lifts use “Dot Matrix” displays (red dots). They look dated. Modern Fuji lifts offer high-resolution LCD or TFT screens. These can do more than just show numbers. They can display the date, time, or even building announcements. You can upload a welcome message for your guests. It makes the lift feel like a smartphone rather than a calculator.
Voice Announcers
Accessibility is technology too. A synthesized voice that announces “Going Up” or “Third Floor” is standard in Fuji tech. However, the quality has improved. It is no longer a robotic, scratchy voice. It is clear and soothing. Some systems even allow you to customize the language. You could theoretically have a lift that speaks Bangla. This helps the visually impaired and adds a layer of sophistication.
Identifying Authentic Tech
Because the market is flooded, you must be vigilant. A true Fuji-tech lift will have matching branding on the drives and the software. If you open the controller cabinet and see a mismatch of random brands, be careful. It might be a locally assembled “cocktail” lift. While these can work, they are not “Fuji technology.” They are Frankenstein monsters. True technology works because the components are designed to talk to each other seamlessly.
Conclusion
An elevator is no longer just a box on a rope. It is a smart robot. The technology available in Bangladesh under the Fuji banner is world-class. You have access to gearless motors, smart brains, and energy-saving drives. However, technology is only as good as the choice you make. Do not buy specs you do not need, but do not skip the safety tech that matters. Understanding these terms gives you power. You can look the supplier in the eye and ask the right questions.
