Who is credited with inventing the first safety elevator brakes in 1852?

Elisha Graves Otis is credited with inventing the first safety elevator brakes in 1852, which significantly advanced elevator safety and technology. His innovative design included a mechanism that would lock the elevator in place if the cable broke, preventing catastrophic falls. This invention was crucial in gaining public confidence in elevators, promoting their widespread use in buildings, and facilitating the development of skyscrapers.

Otis demonstrated his safety device at the Crystal Palace in New York City, showcasing its reliability to a crowd of potential customers and establishing the foundation for the modern elevator industry. His contributions helped transform urban architecture and influence building design by allowing for taller structures, as elevators made multi-story buildings more accessible and safe. This historical innovation positioned Elisha Graves Otis as a pivotal figure in the evolution of building utilities and safety mechanisms.