KONE recently unveiled its first digital elevator series – the KONE DX Class elevators – that are fitted with built-in connectivity that will allow building owners and operators to tailor and plug in additional software and services for elevators throughout the entire lifetime of a building.
The company presented its latest elevator series at the recent Customer Experience Event held at the National Gallery of Singapore. The KONE DX Class will replace the current KONE elevator range.
"We are excited to introduce the world’s first digitally-connected elevators -- enhancing building value along with our larger ecosystem of partners in the region," says Mikko Björk, managing director at KONE Singapore.
"Not only does the DX Class elevator series bring convenience to customers and users, it also offers a chance for us to secure a green, liveable, and sustainable city for future generations to live in,” Björk said.
For elevator passengers this brings a host of new, multisensory experiences inside the elevator, combining physical hardware and digital services. These can be customised according to individual needs and preferences, bringing new levels of ease and convenience.
By using open application programming interfaces (APIs), KONE makes it easy to manage and integrate different devices, apps and services with new and existing systems.
The new digitally connected elevators revolutionises the role of elevators in future smart buildings. The elevator is no longer merely a way to travel between floors, but an integral and integrated platform that offers intuitive, ambient and connected experiences that extend from the lobby throughout the building. For infrastructure developers and building owners, a key advantage is the ability to have access to future proof solutions, where elevator experiences are adapted and upgraded for different needs.
The Customer Experience Event was supported by KONE’s key innovative partners such as Gaussian Robotics, Habitap, G Element and Blindsquare, all of whom help bring the DX Class elevators to live through the combination of design, technology, new materials, apps and services.
“We have been working with KONE on distinct, cutting-edge lift integration capabilities that use autonomous cleaning robots to navigate and clean multiple floors in a building by itself,” said Kevin Lee, business development director at Gaussian Robotics. “The goal is to always provide a safe and clean work environment for tenants and employees in the building.”
Every KONE DX Class elevator provides:
- The option for customers to easily and remotely activate digital services when they need to, including KONE 24/7 Connected Services and KONE Residential Flow.
- Secure APIs for third-party solutions, which create new and exciting services. KONE has agreements with Blindsquare, Gaussian Robotics, Habitap, G Element and more to bring new levels of sophistication to the people flow experience.
- A whole new variety of design options and innovations, including anti-stain, anti-scratch, and anti-bacterial surfaces.
- Advanced dynamic display, sound and lighting options to transform the ambience and interior.
- A range of sustainable materials to meet green building criteria like BREEAM and LEED.
"KONE is merging technologies of today with existing infrastructure to create smarter and more intelligent buildings -- supporting the growth of sustainable cities with a purpose," said Samer Halabi, executive vice president of KONE APAC. "Combining new products and services over the lifetime of a building can be very powerful, and the KONE DX Class makes elevator journeys more enjoyable and sustainable.”
