KONE, a global leader in elevator and escalator solutions, is playing a pivotal role in the Jeddah Tower project, a megastructure that embodies Saudi Arabia’s ambitious vision for urban development. The company’s involvement in this landmark project underscores its commitment to delivering smart, sustainable, and safe vertical mobility solutions.
The Jeddah Tower, set to become one of the world’s tallest buildings, will feature KONE’s advanced elevator technology, including AI-powered destination control and regenerative drives designed to enhance performance and energy efficiency. With KONE equipping five of the world’s ten tallest buildings, the company’s expertise in high-rise mobility is unparalleled.
KONE’s Role in Shaping the Future of Urban Mobility
According to Philippe Delorme, CEO of KONE, the Jeddah Tower project represents a significant milestone in the company’s history, demonstrating its capability to deliver innovative solutions that meet the complex needs of modern cities. Delorme noted that the industry has shifted from focusing solely on technical achievements to creating intelligent environments that enhance the human experience.
The incorporation of KONE’s UltraRope technology, for instance, has redefined what’s possible in tall buildings, enabling smoother and more energy-efficient travel over unprecedented heights. This technology, combined with AI-assisted intelligence and real-time monitoring, will optimize the performance of the tower’s elevators and escalators.
Sustainability and Innovation
KONE’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its design approach for the Jeddah Tower. The company has incorporated energy-saving features such as regenerative drives and standby modes into its elevators and escalators. These features are part of KONE’s broader effort to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to reduce the country’s carbon footprint and promote sustainable development.
Delorme emphasized that sustainability extends beyond new construction projects. Urbanization, he noted, is no longer just about building more; it’s about building smarter. Modernizing existing elevators can significantly reduce emissions, extend lifespan, and minimize waste. KONE’s global strategy, Rise, focuses on leveraging digitalization and AI to enhance service reliability and safety.
Digitalization and AI: The Future of Elevator Technology
Digitalization and AI are at the core of KONE’s strategy, enabling the company to predict, diagnose, and solve issues faster. Data-driven insights are helping KONE’s technicians ensure reliability and safety in every building they serve. This approach not only improves the performance of KONE’s equipment but also enhances the overall user experience.
KONE is also investing locally in Saudi Arabia, working with contractors, suppliers, and engineers to strengthen capabilities and share expertise. This collaborative approach is essential for the success of large-scale projects like the Jeddah Tower.
As KONE celebrates over 115 years of innovation, the company remains committed to continuous renewal and sustainable growth. With a challenger mindset, KONE is poised to continue shaping the future of cities through its innovative solutions and commitment to sustainability.
Looking ahead, the next step for KONE will be to continue delivering on its commitments to the Jeddah Tower project while exploring new opportunities for growth and innovation in the region. As the company continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in urban development, its focus will remain on creating smart, sustainable, and safe environments that enhance the human experience.
