KONE training staff for 2019 launch of IoT platform in elevators

Finland-based elevator and escalator major KONE Corporation will launch 24/7 Connected Services for elevators in India in 2019. Speaking to media persons at the launch of new mid-range elevator inspired by Navaratana (nine gems), Henrik Ehrnrooth, President and Chief Executive Officer, KONE Corporation, said the company is currently running pilots in India and training the staff on the technical know how on the operation of the IoT platform in elevators. The 24/7 Connected Services, which uses IBM Watson IoT platform, are remotely monitored to ensure less equipment downtime, fewer faults and detailed information on maintenance work. The service is available in 11 countries. Apart from partnership with IBM, KONE Corporation is also working with start-ups and other smaller organisation to offer digital solutions. Recently, the company conducted Hackathon in India for digital solution for 24/7 predictive maintenance, which will be incorporated in its products. “We are also running different pilot programmes in different areas,” Ehrnrooth said. For instance, it is piloting a concept called ‘Blind Square’ where a visually-challenged can call for an elevator and service robots that can talk to machines in hospitality segment. The €9-billion KONE has a market share of 20 per cent in the elevator and escalator space.