INCOSE NE Membership July Monthly Meeting: Otis

Agenda: 

6:00-6:30 PM: Meet, Greet, and Mingle 

Local Introductions at Local Sites

Order/Obtain Food and Drinks

6:30-7:00 PM: Chapter Business

7:00-7:45 PM: Invited Speaker: Stephen Nichols, System Engineer from Otis Elevator Company

7:45-8:00 PM: Discussion and Wrap-Up

Abstract

We live an increasingly connected world.  Otis Elevator started connecting elevators in the 1980s to improve the intelligence of our products and to help customers and service teams; however, the ability to provide proactive insights and improve passenger experience is significantly accelerating with the advent of IoT, cloud connectivity, and a range of new technologies.  The impact of IoT and potential to improve passenger experience will be discussed within the historical context of the development of elevator systems and technology.

Bio

Stephen R. Nichols is a systems engineer with cross-functional interest in product development, architecture and innovation. Stephen is interested in finding simplicity in complex systems as well as the intersection of human experiences and people-centered-design with vertical transportation technology, building ecosystems, and urban environments. Current work is focused on how platforms and modularity can unlock potential both for elevators, buildings and cities; exploring model-based-systems-engineering and model-based-development to enhance the digital thread for both research and development and enterprise improvement; and architectural and modularity strategies for improving complex systems. He is based at Otis’s engineering

center and world headquarters in Farmington, CT. 

Previously, Stephen was responsible for leading the global passenger experience segment, working to deliver high impact global products and incubate innovative concepts which enhance passenger experience and satisfaction. Products and concepts developed by his team focused on: digital interaction, physical human interface and intuitive behavior with work spanning the disciplines of engineering (software, electrical, mechanical and systems), marketing, product strategy and digital/information technology. 

Stephen’s relationship with Otis started as a four-year student member of the Otis F.I.R.S.T. Robotics Team.  He interned both with UTC Power and Otis Engineering while pursuing his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Tufts University. He joined Otis after graduating in 2006 and has held positions of increasing responsibility as a mechanical, systems engineer, program manager and team leader working on machines and propulsion technology, high rise systems,  nnovation projects and for two years led the product cost and product development finance function with-in the Otis WHQ Operations Finance organization.

While at Otis, Stephen earned his Master of Engineering degree in mechanical engineering in 2009 from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Hartford, CT campus) and is a 2012 graduate of the Otis University leadership program focused on global manufacturing and supply chain. Stephen is also a National Academy of Engineering Frontiers of Engineering alumni, having been a speaker at the 2017 symposium on a panel about mega-tall buildings and other future places of work. In February 2019, he received a Gilbreth Lectureship from the National Academy “in recognition of outstanding contributions to the fields of systems and mechanical engineering and presentation of his lecture on elevator experience technology at the NAE 2019 National Meeting.” He will participate in the 2019 China-America Frontiers of Engineering Symposium in July 2019.