Researchers at Hitachi are developing technology for a new elevator system that enables six to eight elevator cars to operate within the same space previously needed for two cars. This innovation will potentially be a huge boon for developers, because more space can be rented out, and elevator wait times are significantly reduced. An elevator with eight cars would have four drive systems — two cars per system running opposite each other in a loop. A sophisticated computer system monitors the cars and ensures they do not crash.

[Thanks, Tracy Staedter]