KONE’s innovation leadership is constantly being strengthened in R&D centers around the world working together with customers, suppliers, strategic allies, research institutes and KONE units. These global development projects are implemented with unified tools and processes.
As a people flow expert, KONE has a wide range of specialists. Every development project is a joint effort by the KONE Research and Development global community. For example, engineering designers, process experts, architects and even psychologists work together to develop e.g. the usability of the products and fine tune the delivery process. Every innovation has had the support of different KONE specialists around the world, thanks to highly professional development project managers.
There are almost 600 people working with KONE technology and R&D. Through global projects and continuous education, KONE R&D centers develop innovative experts with a vast range of knowledge and know-how. KONE also works actively to share information and experience within the KONE community.
KONE has over 30 elevator test shafts where all innovations are put to the test. The most impressive test center is the KONE High-rise laboratory. This is the tallest test facility in the world and a remarkable innovation in itself, located 333 meters underground in the Tytyri mine in Lohja, Finland. It is the only shaft in the world where elevators with speeds up to 17 m/s (56 ft/s) can be tested. The mineshaft is a living underground community with an intricate network of shafts, transportation routes and tunnels. This network enables the safe and efficient installation of elevator testing equipment.