KONE cruises ahead with 24x7 IoT platform in India

KONE Corporation, which is a Finland-based elevator and escalator maker of global repute, is all set to launch 24x7 Connected Services for elevators in India in 2019, President and Chief Executive Officer, KONE Corporation, Henrik Ehrnrooth said, elaborating that the company is currently running pilot projects in India and training the staff on the technical know-how on the operation of the IoT platform in elevators. He stated this recently at the launch of new mid-range elevator inspired by Navaratha (nine gems). 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 task and this service is currently available across 11 countries around the globe.

Apart from partnership with IBM, KONE Corporation, he added, is also working with start-ups and other smaller organization to offer digital solutions. Recently, the company conducted Hackathon in India for digital solution for 24x7 predictive maintenance, which will be incorporated in its products. Going ahead, he said that 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. KONE currently commands a market share of 20% in the elevator and escalator space and is producing 50,000 units in its plant in Chennai and its second manufacturing plant in Sriperumbudur, Chennai, is likely to be commissioned by mid-2019.