Trends for the New Normal

KONE Elevator India managing director expresses his views on the digital transformation and redefined trends in the real estate sector as a positive indication for the VT industry.

While we all know elevators changed cities, has the pandemic changed the way we experience elevators? Yes! I don’t think there is another answer to high-density urbanization than vertical cities. For that, vertical transportation (VT) and its technology are the key enablers. In the current uncertain times, what we need is a heightened sense of awareness of elevator etiquette and hygiene. 

Physical distancing, wearing of masks and hand hygiene are something to which we, as a society, have become accustomed. As manufacturers, we have taken great care to ensure elevators and escalators are made safe and reliable. For example, KONE’s Health and Wellbeing Solutions that encourage physical distancing, while enabling a safe and convenient return to public settings (including an escalator handrail sanitizer, elevator call feature and elevator air purifier) have done well. 

COVID-19 will push us onto the fast-track of digital transformation, making elevators more sophisticated and cutting-edge. The focus will be on touchless elevator control solutions to enhance safety, security and convenience. Also, we see COVID-19 hastening demand for AI-based analytics to make smarter proactive maintenance decisions.

Future Trends and Expectations

During the initial months of the pandemic, the residential sector was one of the worst hit, falling almost 40% in March 2020. However, we saw a resurgence in the past few months. There has been a healthy demand for both multifamily apartment buildings and single-family homes, with a clear winner in the residential space — single-family homes. We believe this subsector is most likely to outperform due to the long-term structural changes resulting from the pandemic, such as working from home.

The pandemic will also redefine certain trends in real estate. We expect hygiene and wellness will be key factors in assessing both commercial and residential properties. In the commercial sector, it will compel developers to revisit their operational activities and services and carry out a comprehensive assessment of their hygiene and wellness measures.

Greater Demand From New Project Launches

The whole landscape of real estate is changing in the new normal. Work from home is certainly a new reality; it may have been considered impractical in the past, but today, it is clearly a reality. Real estate experts believe that, with the prevalence of working from home, demands for residential housing and larger houses have gone up tremendously. Technologies like AI, connectivity, digital and space optimization are continuing to gain importance.

At KONE, we have been studying the everyday challenges in urban residential environments and addressing them with new solutions. We believe smart solutions in the industry are going to shape the future of building traffic and that AI and digitalization are going to play a key role in this transformation.

Change in Design Perspective 

Almost every space that we thus far took for granted will need to be revisited from a design perspective. Perhaps vast open offices will be replaced by cozy nooks and open congregation areas in such places as hotels, hospitals, stadiums, malls and apartment complexes. Architects and designers are also looking to rely on technology. 

Touchless technology has arrived and is here to stay. Technologies such as automatic doors, app-activated elevators and hotel room locks, and censor-activated light switches are rapidly evolving and may soon be implemented across the globe.   

Technology as a Gamechanger

The need is to ensure less crowding and maintain physical distance while using public spaces. At KONE, we are confident our services and solutions will enhance collective health and well-being. For instance, our “Elevator Call” allows users to summon an elevator with their mobile device, removing the need to stay longer in lift lobbies and avoid touching possibly contaminated buttons or displays. Physical-distancing elevator floor stickers and elevator full-load limit adjustment capabilities also ensure less crowding and contribute to a healthier environment. 

In an era when hygiene and physical distancing are vital, public spaces are stressful, and the way we interact with everyday surroundings has changed. It is important that cities and buildings be safer and healthier. Technology has certainly changed the way buildings are controlled. It is important that we, in the industry, focus on the safety of our customers and end-users, and be ready with solutions for what we believe will aid people easing into the new normal. Smart technologies can help support the world as it recovers from the impacts of the pandemic.

KONE 24/7 Connected Services were designed for constant monitoring, fewer faults, faster repairs and peace of mind. Using cloud technology, elevators and escalators can help technicians stay one step ahead of what’s happening. 

Experience With Real Estate Clients 

Dealings with real estate clients has been very positive for KONE. This segment is clearly emphasizing incorporating technological innovation into elevators. The demand for 24/7 Connected Services peaked during the pandemic. We also innovated new capabilities for remote operation and a complete digital transformation, including a digital payment system. From escalator handrail sanitizers to elevator remote calling using WhatsApp to elevator air purifiers to elevator load-adjustment and physical-distancing solutions, the focus is on the solutions that support people’s transition into a new normal.