-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org)
At the opening of FHA 2026 (Food & Hospitality Asia) at the Singapore EXPO, AUNIX International has launched the ELVA Collection, a disruptive innovation in foodservice equipment. Billed as the world’s first “Total-Inclusive™” height-adaptable station, ELVA is designed to eliminate the physical barriers traditional buffet setups pose to guests with limited mobility, particularly wheelchair users and the elderly.
The launch addresses a “hidden” exclusion in hospitality: the fixed-height buffet. By integrating sensor-activated motion control, the ELVA station allows guests to lower the service counter to an accessible height with a simple tap, empowering them to interact with live stations and self-service displays with independence and dignity.
Key Innovations of the ELVA Collection:
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Intelligent Height Adaptability: The system smoothly transitions between standard service heights and accessible levels (950mm to 710mm in the final production model), catering to a universal range of guest needs.
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Metaform-Driven Design: Beyond accessibility, ELVA features a modular “Metaform” architecture. Operators can swap interchangeable tops and modular front panels to adapt the station’s aesthetic and function to different event themes or brand identities.
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Advanced Tech Integration: The stations are equipped with sensor activation, smooth motion control, and “operator-ready” automation, ensuring that the transition does not disrupt the flow of service.
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Mobility & Safety: Designed for high-traffic environments, the units include heavy-duty 360° swivel wheels with shock absorption, cable management channels, and rounded safety edges.
A Shift Toward Inclusive Hospitality The inspiration for ELVA stemmed from a real-world operational challenge during senior-focused events where standard buffet heights created immediate obstacles. Wong Kum Chuen, Managing Director of AUNIX International, noted that for too long, accessibility in F&B was “KIVed” (kept in view) rather than solved. “The ELVA Collection acknowledges that guests have diverse needs, and that service should rise—or lower—to meet them,” Wong stated.
Market Context: As global hospitality moves toward stricter ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance and faces an aging traveler demographic, inclusive design is shifting from a “niche requirement” to a core business strategy. ELVA is positioned as a critical asset for hotels, convention centers, and luxury resorts looking to lead in “Total-Inclusive” guest experiences.
