Innovations

A proven technology leader

Together with our partners, we constantly strengthen our position as innovation leader in our industry. At KONE, our track record in research and development means we hold more than 3,000 patents across our businesses.

It is by understanding urbanization; focusing on improvements for people and anticipating the needs and opportunities for people – that we can develop innovations and breakthroughs which help improve buildings and make our cities better places to live in.

And as new ecosystems emerge around smarter cities and smarter buildings there is a huge potential with the integration of building design with elevators, escalators, services and other utilities, in the most sustainable ways possible.

KONE’s innovations and solutions

KONE HIGH-RISE LABORATORIES

The age of mega tall buildings is here. Our technological breakthroughs are shaping the future of high-rise living and making the unthinkable, possible. Deep underground in an active limestone mine in Tytyri, South of Finland, lies a research facility dedicated to pushing machines to extreme limits. The ‘Asian twin’ of this underground facility is the Kunshan Test Tower in China.

Explore how, and where, we test our high-rise solutions

KONE UltraRope®

The latest in a long line of technological breakthroughs, KONE UltraRope™ sets a new benchmark for high-rise buildings. The super-light KONE UltraRope technology provides unrivalled elevator eco-efficiency, reliability and durability, while also improving elevator performance. It eliminates the disadvantages of existing steel ropes – high energy consumption, rope stretch, large moving masses, and downtime caused by building sway. KONE UltraRope can enable future elevator travel heights up to 1,000 meters.

Watch the KONE UltraRope video

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KONE EcoDisc® motor

The KONE EcoDisc hoisting motor is the heart of KONE’s elevator solution. The machinery was completely renewed in 2012 providing several advantages. The new innovative copper winding system reduces the amount of energy lost as heat, making KONE elevators even more energy efficient than before. The new motor control system and brakes provide a smooth and quiet ride, while the more compact design frees up space.

KONE MonoSpace® elevator

KONE revolutionized the industry in 1996 with the world’s first machine-room-less elevator – the KONE MonoSpace® for low- to mid-rise buildings. In 2012 a completely new range of KONE MonoSpace elevators was launched. The new solutions are significantly more energy efficient than before, provide industry-leading ride comfort and feature award-winning car interior design. With increased space efficiency, the KONE MonoSpace is ideal for buildings in need of elevator modernization.

Watch the video

KONE MiniSpace™ elevator

The KONE MiniSpace is an elevator with a small machine room and is the ideal solution for the most demanding high-rise buildings. KONE MiniSpace elevators are powered by the energy-efficient KONE EcoDisc® hoisting machine, offer superior ride comfort and feature award-winning car interior design.

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KONE NanoSpace™ modernization solution

In addition to being very quick to install, the KONE NanoSpace™ uses highly compact components and innovative technology to deliver an elevator car that’s up to 50% bigger with no changes to the existing shaft. As well as more space and better accessibility, it also provides a smooth ride for maximum comfort. And with the eco-efficient KONE HybridHoisting™ system, it also helps to reduce energy consumption and running costs.

Making room for all - Watch the KONE NanoSpace™ video

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KONE EcoMod™ escalator modernization

An innovative and systematic approach to replacing the entire workings of your escalator. The solution delivers brand new technology without expensive and disruptive truss removal. The solution also reduces the energy consumption and operating costs of the new and installed equipment.

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KONE JumpLift construction time elevator

KONE JumpLift is a construction time elevator with a temporary machine room that can be moved upwards as construction progresses. KONE JumpLift advantages: enables a faster, safer construction process, earlier closing of the facade, reduced down-time, and safer transportation in all weather conditions.

KONE Polaris™ destination control system

KONE Polaris increases elevator handling capacity, improves passenger comfort and reduces waiting times. It also improves security through integration with the building’s access control system. With the latest capacitive touchscreen technology and a highly intuitive user interface, our new destination operating panel ensures an effortless user experience. For even greater convenience, building tenants can make elevator calls directly from their mobile device with the KONE RemoteCall™ smartphone app.

Learn more about our People Flow Intelligence solutions by watching the video