Where do you see India in regards to opportunities for Smart Elevators/Smart Escalators?
As buildings get taller with the capacity to serve tens of thousands of users simultaneously, there is an increased requirement of elevators and escalators to keep people moving smoothly. Today, Elevators and Escalators with latest technology provide smart people flow solutions. Our solutions not only enable efficient people flow in the buildings but also bring in many other benefits like energy efficiency, smart access, and others. KONE is leading the way in bringing together technology and innovation to meet the requirements of urban settings. Our latest product and service launches underline the importance of upgradeable and adaptable People Flow solutions which make buildings and urban environments more responsive to people and their surroundings. In early 2016, KONE entered into an Agreement with IBM, to further harness the potential of Digitalization and Innovate New Solutions. Using IBM’s Watson IoT Cloud Platform, KONE aims to improve and integrate existing service operations around the world. For instance, its 24x7 Connected Services launched globally is an offering that promises radical improvements in predictive maintenance and increased transparency in elevators & escalators for customers. It means a completely new experience for KONE’s customers, where equipment can be monitored in real time around the clock, improving the operational reliability of your equipment and making it even safer to use.
Could you elaborate us on the technology trends driving the sector? What aesthetic measures/strategies have been adapted to make your products more competitive as against its counterparts?
We were the pioneers for the gearless technology and launched the KONE MonoSpace®, 20 years ago. These elevators with the KONE EcoDisc® hoisting machine combined with other energy saving solutions consume 50-70% less energy than a traditional hydraulic elevator. Gearless technology is the norm today. Traditional elevator control systems have to work with very limited information as they register only the desired travel direction. The KONE Polaris Destination Control System registers additional information like the desired destination floors and the number of waiting passengers. With this additional information it significantly improves system performance by reducing stops and saving energy. The KONE JumpLift System is an advanced technique that was developed by KONE to improve efficiency and safety of a building construction. This solution requires less labour and it enhances vertical transportation and efficiency during the construction of the building. The Ultra Rope and the People Flow Intelligence solutions have been the latest technology additions into our portfolio. Our latest innovation Ultra rope uses light weight carbon fibres that offer huge advantages over the steel ropes traditionally used to hoist elevators. This enables longer elevator travels in super tall buildings which in the past was not possible. For example buildings taller than 1 kilo meter. Elevators need to also create the best user experience – our vision says “delivering the best people flow experience”. In today’s world, aesthetics also play an important role. Visually pleasing designs, good lighting, durable and easy to clean materials are important for the customer and end user. Early this year, we introduced our New Elevator offering – KONE U MONOSPACE® and KONE U MINISPACE™ for the mid-range segment having 26 cars with visuals inspired by Navaratna, the nine gems. The Navaratna visual car designs are so striking and unique that they will certainly help us differentiate in the marketplace and enhance the customer experience, and also create a lasting impression & unforgettable user experience. KONE design themes have won international recognition and a number of prestigious design awards like the Red Dot and Good Design award for the elegance, simplicity and user-friendliness.
Which have been the major demand markets for your products and services (both nationally and internationally)?
India is the world’s second largest new equipment market for elevators & escalators, after China. As the global population continues to grow and more so in India, people will continue to move to cities every single day. Indonesia, Malaysia & Thailand in the Asia Pacific region are the key markets for KONE where the demand will come from. A large proportion of the world’s urban population growth will take place in developing countries, like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal with India taking a significant share.
How has the Indian real estate industry responded to new age technologies as against its global counterparts?
There are two important changes in elevator technology that are being rapidly adapted by the Indian real estate Industry. First is the change from geared to gearless technology. The conventional geared elevators were less efficient and consumed more power. With the introduction of gear-less technology, we can save up to 50% of the power consumed by geared elevators. Second is the change to Machine room-less technology (MRL). MRL technology saves significant space and cost, and also construction time since it does not require a Machine room space in the building.
Briefly share with us about your few recent projects and major achievements in regard to installations (executed/streamlined for future). Also give us a brief understanding about your major clients.
KONE is a pioneer in developing Eco-efficient™, sustainable solutions for urban development that offer energy savings in buildings & deliver the best user experience. Solutions from KONE cater to all segments of the real estate market - residential, retail, hospitality and commercial. KONE leads the market for elevators and escalators and offers the widest range of solutions for the Indian market. Udaivillas-Jaipur, Lighthouse-Chennai, Mumbai International Airport, Delhi Metro, Taj Deccan-Hyderabad, Lodha The Park in Worli, Mumbai (57 elevators in its 4 Residential Towers rising to the height of 270 meters) are examples of some properties & projects where KONE solutions are currently operational..
Tell us about your plans to strengthen future business opportunities and any new product additions or expansion activities focused particularly for India?
For KONE, India is an important growth market. With the pace of urbanization that is happening in India, the scope for growth for the company will only move upwards. Technology, service and quality installation will continue to be the key areas that KONE will focus on and we expect good positive growth in the years to come depending on the speed of urbanization and affordable housing schemes that the Govt is focusing on. We have a world class manufacturing facility in Chennai which manufactures Indian products at global standards. In India, we offer the widest range of products that cater to all segments (from villa to high-rise buildings) residential, commercial & infra and these segments are key contributors for our business. Hence, it is important that we deliver solutions that each segment requires. In 2015, KONE introduced I MONOSPACE® and KONE I MINISPACE™ gearless elevators, which are inspired from the Five Elements, symbolizing harmony, vitality and the spirit of being one with the Nature. With more emphasis on gearless technology & aesthetics, we introduced U Series Elevators that cater to modern buildings from mid-rise segment. The new products U MONOSPACE® and U MINISPACE™ have 26 cars with visuals inspired by “Navaratna” - the nine gems, which are unique and have some of the best technical and aesthetic features in the industry.
With sustainability, durability, practicality and eco-efficiency behind the design philosophy, KONE elevators and escalators add immense value to a building, through their rich visual appeal as well as their industry leading performance and the ultimate customer satisfaction.
@EPC World Media
