Final answer:
An escalator is a moving staircase that transports people between different levels of a building, while a travelator is a flat conveyor system that transports people horizontally over a long distance. Escalators have steps that move in a loop, while travelators have a flat surface.
Step-by-step explanation:
An escalator and a travelator are both types of moving walkways, but they serve different purposes and have some distinct differences.
An escalator is a moving staircase that is used to transport people between different levels of a building, such as between floors in a shopping mall or a subway station. It consists of a series of steps that continuously move in a loop, allowing people to walk or stand on them to move effortlessly.
On the other hand, a travelator, also known as a moving walkway, is a flat conveyor system that transports people horizontally over a long distance. It is commonly found in airports, train stations, and large transit hubs. Unlike an escalator, a travelator does not have steps but has a flat surface on which people can stand or walk. It moves at a constant speed, making it easier for people to cover longer distances without exerting much effort.