KONEct2024: Upwards To A Sustainable Future With Kone’s Innovation in Elevator Design

KONEct2024, the highly anticipated gathering held on June 7 at Rockwell The Fifth in Makati City, proved to be a pivotal showcase for a renowned figure in the global elevator and escalator industry, KONE. Far from a mere trade event, it emerged as a spirited occasion that placed KONE’s unwavering dedication to sustainability and cutting-edge innovation in the spotlight. 

The beginning of the event showcased eager participants who immersed themselves in discussions and AR experiences that explored KONE’s newest offerings and their trailblazing developments in elevator technology. The rest of the evening was filled with impressive renderings of a futuristic Philippines that embraced sustainability, an array of KONE’s latest innovations, icebreaker games amongst event participants, and a promising future of KONE within the local construction industry. 

KONEct2024: Upwards To A Sustainable Future With KONE’s Innovation in Elevator Design

KONE has long been synonymous with excellence in elevator design and technology. Renowned for its vast list of groundbreaking achievements, the company’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation while maintaining a steadfast commitment to sustainability is what sets it apart from its competitors. 

Founded in 1910 in Finland, KONE has grown into a global powerhouse that has served millions of customers in over 60 countries. The company has consistently set benchmarks in elevator design and technology, and the event highlighted the company’s desire to establish itself as a reliable partner in sustainability—not just in elevator and escalator manufacturing, but for the global construction industry. 

Pictured above: KONEct2024 keynote speakers 

A central theme at KONEct2024 was the company’s dedication to sustainable operations. Its commitment to responsible construction is evident in its continuous efforts to develop eco-friendly solutions that cater to modern urbanization challenges. KONE’s Strategic Designer for Innovation Etti Seppa elaborated on the importance of green initiatives in the company.

“Sustainability is key in our strategy. So it is extremely important for us, in everything that we do. On the construction side, we can see, for example, it might be that we’re moving some of the work that is happening on the field. We’re moving them out from there, for example.” Seppa said.  

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KONEct2024 featured an array of keynote speeches and presentations from distinguished speakers. Among them was renowned Filipino architect and urban planner Felino “Jun” A. Palafox, Jr. who discussed the Philippines’ infrastructure development potential with clear sustainability goals. 

The event also saw the presentation of several KONE products such as the KONE ExoDisc hoisting machine, DX Class elevators equipped with advanced connectivity, and of course, KONE’s trademark UltraRope. Above all the trailblazing innovations in their technology, KONE continues to develop a circular approach to providing sustainable solutions for their clients, said KONE Philippines Managing Director Petteri Kyrklund when asked about the company’s green initiatives. 

“So how we source materials, how we recycle when possible, how we can do cleaner maintenance using more technology, predictive maintenance, rather than transferring back and forth people,” Kyrklund said. 

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KONE’s firm commitment to sustainability is evident in its continuous efforts to develop eco-friendly solutions that cater to modern urbanization challenges. Apart from sustainability, KONE puts emphasis on user safety in all their products. Global developments and local regulation are considered in their product innovations, said KONE Southeast Asia Head of Major Projects Serkan Azeboğlu. 

“The buildings are becoming taller and smarter and because of urbanization are pushing the limits. And when we look at it today, the world, plus 200 meters buildings are increasing day by day. And what we are doing as KONE, of course, safety and quality are priority, but the world is changing and also now sustainability and innovations are our other priorities,” said Azeboğlu 

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Moving Up With KONE’s Technological Innovations 

KONE also unveiled cutting-edge technologies aimed at revolutionizing the elevator experience. The new smart elevator systems integrate seamlessly with building management systems, offering enhanced security, predictive maintenance, and improved user experience. These smart-systems can communicate with smartphones, enabling features like touchless control and personalized services.

The benefits of these technologies extend beyond convenience. Building managers can monitor elevator performance in real time which reduces downtime and maintenance costs. The discussion at KONEct2024 also touched upon the future prospects of elevator technology, with a focus on AI-driven predictive maintenance and IoT integration. 

KONEct2024 was a resounding success. The event effectively emphasized KONE’s vision for a sustainable future and highlighted key innovations in elevator design and the company’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. As urban areas continue to grow, KONE’s sustainable and technologically advanced solutions are set to play a crucial role in shaping the cities of tomorrow.

KONE continues to lead the industry with upcoming events and initiatives aimed at furthering its sustainability goals. For more information about KONE and its products, visit the official website or follow their social media platforms.