According to the Auto Channel, Hitachi Elevator Company announced Monday that they will deliver the world’s fastest ultra-high-speed elevators with a top speed of 1,200 m/min (72 km/h) to the Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre, a mixed-use skyscraper currently under construction (goal is 2016) in Guangzhou, China. The elevator will contain technologies that support safe and comfortable elevator operation, in addition to the drive and control technologies needed to attain the world’s fastest speed. By implementing these technologies, Hitachi will ensure that the elevator will provide passengers with a comfortable ride even when operated at high speeds.

But what does this have to do with brakes?

Hitachi has created premier brake equipment using materials that possess outstanding heat resistance to safely stop the elevator car in the very unlikely event that an elevator malfunction occurs during ultra-high-speed operation. Top-of-the-line brakes are necessary to any high performance, high speed machine that requires superb stopping power. Without such, the machine would be rendered useless and be unsafe for all.

As for the future of this technology, Gizmag reports that Hitachi will continue working to develop elevators offering various forms of added value, in order to support the construction of taller and larger buildings, for which demand is expected to further increase, mainly in markets overseas. Additionally, Hitachi will use the new technologies and insights obtained through the ‘guinea pig’ for the development of even better ultra high-speed elevators and other products.