Solae, Elevator test tower in Inazawa, Japan.
Solae is a 173-meter test tower at the Mitsubishi Electric Inazawa Works facility that houses multiple shafts for elevator testing and evaluation. The structure was designed specifically to provide realistic conditions for conducting comprehensive safety and performance assessments.
Mitsubishi Electric built the Solae facility in 2007 in response to growing demands for elevator technology testing in Asia. Its opening marked a turning point in the ability to evaluate systems under realistic and controlled conditions.
The name Solae comes from the Japanese word for sky and reflects the facility's connection to the heavens through its design. Visitors notice how the tower's height and vertical focus shape the way people experience and discuss the space.
Visits are typically restricted to guided tours since this is an active testing facility with safety-critical operations underway. Prospective visitors should contact information centers or official representatives to clarify access requirements and current availability.
The facility serves not only for testing elevators but also for hands-on training of technicians in maintenance and emergency procedures. Trainees work with actual systems and practice scenarios they will encounter in their future careers.
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