The document discusses elevators and their control systems. Elevators use either hydraulic or cable systems to move between floors of buildings. Hydraulic elevators use a hydraulic ram and piston to lift an elevator car, while cable systems use steel ropes connected to a sheave and counterweight. Elevator control systems are real-time, distributed, and embedded to safely move passengers based on button inputs and current floor. Safety systems like brakes and shock absorbers prevent elevator accidents in case of cable or power failures.