KONE, a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry, has introduced its next generation access gate solution, the KONE Lane turnstile. It offers space-efficiency, reducing the need for floorspace by up to 90%, compared with conventional similar products.
The solution is ideal for offices and multiuse developments and can be adjusted to suit various design styles, while its 'Time of Flight' (TOF) sensor technology brings improved security and adaptability.
KONE Lane received two awards in the esteemed Red Dot Award: Product Design 2021 competition. It was awarded in the categories Interior Design Elements and Innovative Products, getting praise from the jury for its comprehensive technological features and innovative design which can fundamentally change access control with regard to functionality and aesthetics.
"KONE Lane sets a new standard for how smart connectivity and beautiful design can be combined to help our customers introduce convenience and accessibility for the office," says Tomio Pihkala, EVP, New Equipment Business, KONE. "It really is a game-changer, as KONE Lane requires very little floorspace and can be adapted to meet changing needs, in ways that haven't been seen before."
Other Red Dot Design Awards were given for KONE Office Flow, KONE Digital Experience Car and the KONE TravelMaster Premium Kit escalator design solution, which have all been recognised for their outstanding design quality, innovation and smart connectivity.
The KONE Office Flow solution, launched in November 2020, received a Red Dot award in the Smart Products category for its ability to intelligently control the flow of visitors, providing a much-improved user experience. By combining mobile connectivity, apps and a sleek design, the adaptable system means seamless, touchless journeys and customised user experiences.
KONE Digital Experience Car was recognised under the category of Interior Design Elements. Featuring wall-to-wall immersive digital media and a studio-quality sound system, it transforms conventional elevator rides into multi-sensory experiences which are truly unique. The jury found the solution innovative and fascinating, allowing for the creation of customer-specific experiences.
Finally, the KONE TravelMaster Premium Kit escalator design solution received a Red Dot: Best of the Best under the Interior Design Elements category - the highest award in the competition, reserved for the best products in a category.
Visa Rauta, Head of KONE design, comments: "At KONE, our job is to create the best People Flow experience which includes how people move around in harmony with a combination of premium digital user experience, services, beautiful hardware design and technology.
“These awards are a testament to our team and how we work closely with both end-users and our customers to consider how elevators, escalators and turnstiles can be adapted to changing behaviors and needs. We are proud to be recognised by such a prestigious design organisation once again."
Last year, KONE won four Red Dot product design awards for its KONE DX Class elevators. The company's solutions have been awarded also in 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2012.
KONE Lane is part of the KONE Office Flow offering. It will be available in selected markets in early 2022.