We live in a world where diversity is our shared reality. Our differences bring out the best in us, inspiring countless technological innovations that enact “Changes for the Better” for everyone. In the Philippines, for instance, there are over 2 million registered persons with disabilities (PWDs)¹, and alongside them, many senior citizens, pregnant women, persons with health conditions and sensitivities, and children. Thoughtfully designed technology can help us accommodate all kinds of people in our shared spaces—from recreation centers and commercial establishments, to workplaces and government offices, as well as transportation hubs.

At International Elevator & Equipment, Inc. (IEE), we aspire toward a world that includes rather than excludes, and universal design is the standard; similarly, this vision is one of the driving forces behind Mitsubishi Electric’s innovative building solutions.

Smart Mobility for All

One crucial problem is the limitation on movement within buildings. All manner of establishments would benefit from accessible indoor transport modes, which greatly ease travel from one floor to another for all members of the population.

Our elevators, such as the state-of-the-art NexWay model, suit various building types and day-to-day requirements. With voice guidance, LED-illuminated tactile buttons, and optional braille code, people with poor eyesight or vision impairments can ride the elevator without worry. Handrails and optional door safety devices, such as the Hall Motion Sensor and the Multi-beam Door Sensor, reinforce a valuable sense of safety for all kinds of passengers, including but not limited to wheelchair users and the elderly.

Likewise, our moving walks are designed to smoothly transport building occupants from one point to another, simultaneously easing foot traffic and providing an accessible mobility mode for people who cannot walk long distances or use the stairs. Such options accommodate not only PWDs but also help, for instance, shoppers with bulky carts and travelers with heavy luggage.

Inclusivity That Can Be Felt

In a tropical country like the Philippines, people naturally flock to spaces with effective indoor climate control. Poor air quality, whether caused by heat or airborne impurities, results in an unpleasant experience and potential health hazards for a building’s occupants. With high-quality air conditioning systems in place, more people—including those with heat sensitivity, respiratory issues, and similar conditions—can comfortably stay inside an establishment at length. Our Plasma Quad Connect technology, designed for both new and existing installations of Mitsubishi Electric air conditioners, adds a powerful layer of air filtration by removing viruses, bacteria, allergens, dust, mold, and particulate matter (PM) 2.5.

Such solutions, although seemingly simple, make a big impact on an establishment’s accessibility. Workplaces, schools, leisure areas, transport hubs, and businesses like stores and restaurants will be able to welcome more diverse groups of people; in government offices, elderly citizens can comfortably wait their turn to avail services.

Systems That Support Progress

The work toward universal design does not end with the installation of inclusive technologies in a building; it also lies in their upkeep and overall management. Proactive maintenance is a must to prevent malfunctions and prolonged downtime, especially for key systems like elevators. M’s BRIDGE was created to bring ease and expertise to maintenance processes—with 24/7 remote monitoring for Mitsubishi Electric elevators, building managers can stay on top of their installations’ conditions without halting operations.

Similarly, aging elevators may be restored to safe and efficient working order with modernization. Through ELEMOTION, we transform old-generation Mitsubishi Electric elevators, replacing only the necessary components to extend the equipment’s lifespan while significantly improving safety, reliability, passenger comfort, and energy efficiency.

Building a Better World, Together

In the Philippines, many buildings still have room to grow in terms of universal accessibility. The best and most beneficial path forward is ensuring that every person feels welcome in our built environments.

At IEE, we believe that the best of humanity emerges when we innovate for inclusivity. With full commitment to the Mitsubishi Electric mission of “Changes for the Better,” we continue to pioneer and provide thoughtfully designed technologies that help break barriers to universal accessibility, co-building a world where every person feels empowered and included.

Connect with us today to get started on opening your building to more people and greater possibilities.

¹National Council on Disability Affairs, “Non-Handicapping Environment,” National Council on Disability Affairs, n.d., https://ncda.gov.ph/non-handicapping-environment/.