Modern Modernization

Amit Gossain (AG), managing director, KONE India, provides perspectives on modernization to your author (SSP) throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

SSP: What is the scope for modernization of existing elevators and escalators in our current scenario?

AG:In any given scenario, modernization of elevators is essential. It is important to update old components with the latest technologies to ensure traffic moves efficiently and safely, while enhancing elevator comfort and appearance. The global elevator modernization market is projected to reach US$12.83 billion in 2023, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 4.63%. Technological advancements and safety regulations are projected to drive the elevator modernization market in the coming years. Any improvements should be planned meticulously to ensure minimum discomfort for the tenants. 

The design and construction of buildings and their vertical-transportation (VT) systems need to be balanced with the latest technology, while increasing convenience and efficiency. Improvements in elevator safety, comfort, speed, quality, space efficiency and performance have become challenges, as well as opportunities. Increasing building intelligence, new technology and connectivity provides opportunities for builders, architects and building owners to be more competitive. 

When we design and conceptualize such elevators, we design them for the future. This is why the process always begins with research to understand customer and user needs over the lifespan of a building. Through design, we can offer solutions that can adjust to the possible changes. When we begin the design process, we first look at the external environment and human behavior, changing values and cultures, and how we can incorporate our findings on these into the design. We work on-location. 

A modernized elevator will ensure fewer breakdowns and better performance, make the elevators safer, and improve accessibility and appearance. A good-looking elevator complements your building and makes an elevator ride pleasant. Modernization can significantly improve ecological efficiency. Our EcoDisc® motor is energy efficient, consuming far less energy than a geared, two-speed traction or hydraulic elevator. Customers can also enjoy the benefits of LED lighting and our regenerative drive system.

SSP: Which are some of the technological advancements in elevators and escalators that make them future-ready?

AG: All segments are expanding, and the desire for cities to go vertical has become a necessity. At the same time, maintaining VT equipment is of prime importance to ensure smooth ride comfort and end-user safety. This means that the opportunity for its service and modernization is quite high. As the installed base expands, so will the service business of VT companies in India.

Construction of elevators and escalators for buildings with unprecedented heights and structure requires creative architectural vision, watertight planning and up-to-date technology. Examples of that are KONE’s UltraRope technology and JumpLift construction lifts that can be moved upward as construction progresses, which can shorten overall construction schedules by several months. Additionally, our 24×7 Connect, in collaboration with IBM Watson, is designed for fewer faults and faster repairs for less equipment downtime and detailed information on maintenance work.

SSP: What are the aspects considered in modernization of elevators and escalators, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic?

AG: Smart technologies can help support the world as it recovers from the impacts of the pandemic. KONE Residential Flow can help by improving accessibility and convenience, making everyday living smoother and safer. Life as we know it may have been put on pause, but support and care for our communities shouldn’t be. Our R&D centers work with customers, suppliers, strategic partners and research institutes to innovate. 

This pandemic has left us with people coming together, and we’ve become intensely conscious of the air we breathe. KONE Health and Wellbeing Solutions serve as a response to related learnings and will help us navigate through this crisis. Before the products’ launch in India, the solutions were indigenized to meet the Indian market environment and requirements. The new health and well-being solutions help improve air quality in elevators, help disinfect elevator handrails and reduce the need to touch surfaces. 

A real concern related to shared spaces with people beginning to return to work has become clear: people are unwilling to touch common surfaces like buttons in elevators. KONE’s Elevator Remote Call using WhatsApp is a response to this. It allows users to call an elevator using social messaging like WhatsApp, removing the need to touch buttons or displays. 

Physical-distancing elevator floor stickers and full-load-limit adjustment will ensure less crowding and thereby contribute to a healthier environment. To further reduce concerns over elevator use, we have introduced our Elevator Air Purifier in select markets. It uses technology — including an advanced photocatalytic oxidation process — to improve elevator car air quality by removing most potential pollutants, including bacteria, viruses, dust and odors. 

The KONE Handrail Sanitizer uses a type of ultraviolet (UV) light called “UV-C” to gradually disinfect escalator handrails. Continuous chemical-free cleaning happens inside the escalator, so users aren’t exposed to it. Exposure to UV radiation helps reduce and inhibit the reproduction of microorganisms. 

SSP: What is the scope for modernizing elevator lobbies in synchronization with elevators to reduce the pressure on VT?

AG:In these times, information-technology-enabled offices that offer flexibility and smooth VT are critical to a building’s success. We believe the lobby gives the first impression of a building’s brand image and is the starting point of the VT experience. Our “smart lobby” approach aims to create a seamless, enjoyable and fluent experience for the end user. Lobbies are transformed into lively spaces that operate effectively. 

SSP: What is the potential demand for elevators from the real estate redevelopment/refurbishment segment?

AG: In the current scenario, real estate projects are delayed and will be for months as construction work is halted. After the upliftment of lockdown in several parts of the country, developers have taken time to resume construction work, either for new or redevelopment projects, as most of laborers have gone back to their hometowns. The real estate market also will take time to come to terms with the new ways of working, like the incorporation of social distancing. However, the pickup is likely to be quick once things settle down. And, when projects commence, cost will always be a factor. JumpLift is a good example of how we can help cut construction time and costs with smart solutions.