When a team of University of Washington engineering seniors started this project, their first thought was: it's an elevator, so how difficult could it be?
As it turns out, very difficult.
This project came to life this year through a new partnership between Otis Elevator Co. and my alma mater, challenging a team of electrical and computer engineering students to develop an AI framework for control systems. The team spent weeks understanding the challenge before developing a solution. Then they cracked it, achieving a Top Honors at the Capstone Showcase.
What impressed me most was the combination of curiosity, persistence, and collaboration. This is what innovation in vertical mobility looks like in practice: bringing together different viewpoints to solve real-world challenges. And when fresh perspectives are paired with experienced mentors to solve problems, we can improve how communities move every day.
Congratulations to the Otis mentors and UW students. Programs like this help develop the next generation of engineers. I'm excited to see what's next for these talented innovators. Thanks to Wade Montague, Sally Mahoney, Paul Stranieri, Erin Schwartz, and Jill Kaatz.
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