KONE’s pioneering solutions aids vertical mobility with energy efficient elevators

KONE’s comprehensive People Flow Intelligence solutions comprise of smart, scalable solutions for access and destination control as well as information communication and equipment monitoring says Amit Gossain, MD, KONE Elevator India.

When it comes to escalator and elevator solutions for commercial high-rises and residential high-rises, are they specific in nature or same, kindly elucidate?
High-rise construction for both commercial and residential high-rises requires creative architectural vision, watertight planning, and cutting-edge elevator technology. KONE’s pioneering solutions take buildings higher while making elevators, even more, energy efficient and reliable; all while delivering a smooth and unforgettable passenger experience. KONE’s comprehensive People Flow Intelligence solutions comprise of smart, scalable solutions for access and destination control as well as information communication and equipment monitoring.

Designing a successful vertical transportation system in a mega-tall structure requires closely understanding the customers’ requirements to provide the right solutions. From design to pre-installation to installation and then maintenance, there is meticulous planning and preparation required from the engineering and project management teams, so it is safe and efficient, with no surprises or delays, and no disturbance to other building trades.

At KONE, when we design and conceptualise such elevators, we design them for the future. This is why the process always begins with research to understand customer and user needs over the lifespan of a building. 

Through design, we can offer solutions that can adjust to the possible changes, and this is a differentiator for us. The super-light KONE UltraRope technology and KONE JumpLift construction time lifts are a couple of innovations introduced by KONE for the high-rise industry. We offer solutions for access and destination control, information communication, and equipment monitoring for high-rises.

At what stage of building a high-rise should the developer connect with the escalator and elevator specialists to ensure the best solutions are implemented?
KONE’s tailored professional support uses established analysis to provide architects, consultants and developers with a clear recommendation for the optimal equipment configuration. Our experts first develop an understanding of how people move around your building and then use these insights to optimize the people-flow design.

Logistically, all these solutions should equal a challenging construction schedule and suitability to Indian conditions so that the construction can proceed unobstructed, regardless of external weather conditions. Innovative technology solutions that require less labour and improved safety enhance vertical transportation and efficiency during the construction of the building. Such solutions are energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable too.

What are some of the innovations you have implemented or suggest to ensure elevators and escalators remain disinfected and germ-free?
Considering physical distancing measures as well as the need for people to be able to move around in shared spaces safely, KONE’s technical knowhow and innovation came together to create health and well-being solutions that can be used to encourage physical distancing while enabling a safe and convenient return to public settings. From Escalator Handrail Sanitizer, Elevator Call Feature to Elevator Air Purifier, these innovative solutions that support well-being will help people transition to a new normal.

As people started returning to work, another real concern related to shared spaces became extremely clear: people are unwilling to touch common surfaces like buttons in elevators. Elevator Call Feature is a response to this. It allows users to call an elevator using social messaging channels like WhatsApp, removing the need to touch possibly contaminated buttons or displays. To further reduce concerns over elevator use, KONE is introducing in selected markets the new KONE Elevator Air Purifier. It uses technology – including an advanced photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) process developed by NASA for air control on spaceships – to improve air quality in the elevator car by removing most of the potential pollutants, like bacteria, viruses, dust and odours, in the air.

KONE Handrail Sanitizer, an escalator handrail cleaning solution uses a type of ultraviolet light (UV-C) to gradually disinfect escalator handrails. Continuous chemicalfree cleaning happens inside the escalator so that the users aren’t exposed to it. Exposure to ultra-violet radiation helps reduce and inhibit the reproduction of micro-organisms such as bacteria or viruses.

In the backdrop of the ongoing pandemic, what is your take on the market dynamics of escalators and elevators?
Covid-19 has caused unease across the globe and in India. The elevators and escalators market has been impacted in recent months with real estate projects being delayed. The impact of Covid-19 on the real estate sector in India is evident through a halt on site visits, meetings, negotiations, and closure of deals. However, market and real estate experts predict that there could be a gradual demand for commercial spaces in key metro cities of the country. 

As the commercial projects restart globally, the demand for elevators and escalators is anticipated to grow in the coming months. The elevators and escalators market is expected to rebound in the first quarter of 2021, the growth will be slow initially and then grow at a significant CAGR in the next five years. Moreover, innovation in technology and design of elevators and escalators is expected to boost their demand in the coming years. 

What are some of the products you are banking on in this critical period?
In the prevailing Covid-19 environment, the way people interact with everyday surroundings will be challenging. As we ease out of lockdown and re-enter public buildings, we need to come to terms with the “new normal” with complete certainty. To address this changing need, our range of health and well-being solutions that will help recreate safer user journeys and healthy spaces in your buildings. 

To ensure the equipment is running and is safe, KONE’s cloud-based 24/7 Connected Services helps to ensure transparency and preventive maintenance on equipment performance. KONE 24/7 Connected Services, the world’s most intelligent elevator and escalator services that monitor round-the-clock, resulting in fewer faults, faster repairs and peace of mind for the customer. Using cloud technology, the elevators and escalators can now speak their minds and keep technicians one step ahead of what’s happening. Smart technologies can help support the world as it recovers from the impacts of the pandemic. 

KONE Residential Flow helps by improving accessibility and convenience in buildings, making everyday living smoother and safer. KONE health and well-being solutions offer innovative touchless and safer solutions for elevators and escalators to make people’s journeys healthy, clean, and smooth. Our versatile product portfolio caters to any size of the elevator, ranging from low-rise, mid-rise to mega tall structures, enabling smooth flow of people in every kind of building.

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