Timo Skog: The world’s first digital lift makes its New Zealand debut

What exactly does a digital lift mean? Looking at current technological developments, we can see that everything is becoming more digital, while cities and buildings of all kinds are becoming smarter. KONE’s role is to ensure that lifts can also become an important part of this trend.

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KONE is a leading company in the lift industry. Founded in Finland in 1910, it now has a 111-year history. Today, KONE operates in most countries around the world and has been named among the world’s most innovative companies by Forbes magazine for several consecutive years. Bringing together many of KONE’s latest innovations, its DX series lifts (known as “KONE DX”) have been extensively optimised and comprehensively upgraded around a fifth-generation disc motor and a new-generation KCE digital control system. They redefine the future direction of lifts and are perhaps the best example of KONE’s enduring commitment to technological innovation.

DX stands for digital experience. Digital by design, KONE DX introduces the industry’s first end-to-cloud digital API solution. It delivers digital functions without external plug-ins or extensions, opening up limitless possibilities for buildings and making it an ideal partner for smart buildings. Building owners and property management companies can integrate lifts with building management systems in a wider variety of ways. Traditionally, people have generally operated lifts using physical buttons. Through the built-in applications and development interfaces of KONE DX equipment, KONE’s partners can easily connect to the lifts and choose how they want to control them. This can therefore be described as a disruptive innovation for the entire lift industry.

So what is the value of remotely controlling lifts through integration with building control systems? I would like to give two examples. One of KONE’s many partners is a company called Blind Square. Its app connects KONE DX to a building’s control system, helping people with impaired vision find and use lifts through their mobile phones.

Another example involves the hotel service industry. With KONE DX equipment, there is no need for an additional system enabling robots to use lifts, or for any changes to the lift controls or mechanical structure to enable robots to use lifts independently. Hotel service robots can follow preset navigation routes and automatically call lifts to deliver meals from kitchens to guest rooms. Cleaning robots connected to KONE DX equipment can use lifts independently to provide cleaning services. Integration with access control systems also enables coordinated access gates and contactless lift use.

Another KONE innovation relates to Seascape, the project developed by Shundi Group that is set to become Auckland’s tallest residential apartment building. At Seascape, we will have the opportunity to demonstrate our JumpLift solution, whose greatest advantage is helping builders accelerate construction. Compared with traditional construction hoists installed outside a building, JumpLift can significantly speed up construction and workers’ movement between floors inside the building during the construction period. Essentially, lift installation and operation keep pace with construction of the building’s structure.

KONE is committed to providing flexible lift solutions for all types of residential and commercial buildings, offering outstanding lift car interior designs, exceptional ride comfort and excellent energy efficiency.