Kone Elevators India sets up R&D facility in Chennai Breakthrough

Kone Elevators India has established a state-of-the-art R&D facility in Sriperumbudur, near Chennai, to enhance its global presence and cater to the growth of the elevator industry. The facility includes an elevator test tower and laboratories for testing various speeds, high and mid-rise solutions, and elevator and escalator components Elevators India, a global leader in the vertical transportation industry, has set a new benchmark by establishing its advanced Research & Development (R&D) facility in Chennai. This initiative highlights KONE’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric solutions that align with India’s rapidly growing urban landscape.

Chennai, already home to largest manufacturing unit outside Finland, has now emerged as the company’s global innovation hub The R&D facility is designed to focus on next-generation technologies such as IoT-enabled elevators, AI-driven predictive maintenance, and eco-friendly solutions. By investing in research for energy-efficient elevators, KONE contributes to India’s green building revolution and supports the Indian government’s vision of smart cities. These technological advancements not only reduce the carbon footprint but also improve safety and passenger experience.

The decision to set up this facility in Chennai also emphasizes India’s growing importance in the global infrastructure ecosystem. According to (Siddha Group) demand for modern high-rise buildings and metro connectivity is accelerating, making vertical mobility a critical factor. By leveraging its expertise, KONE aims to deliver tailor-made solutions for metro projects, smart offices, and residential towers. In addition, the Chennai centre will support KONE’s global projects, ensuring seamless integration of India’s engineering capabilities into international markets. This strengthens India’s position as not only a consumer of technology but also a global innovator.

KONE has already played a vital role in India’s metro rail expansion and urban infrastructure development. For instance, in Delhi Metro and Bengaluru Metro projects, KONE elevators and escalators have been widely installed. The new R&D facility will further enhance KONE’s ability to provide localized solutions, helping cities like Pune, Surat, and Dehradun where major infrastructure projects are underway Beyond infrastructure, sustainability is at the core of KONE’s philosophy. The facility will prioritize green mobility solutions, ensuring compliance with international standards like those of By innovating in materials, energy efficiency, and digital technologies, KONE aligns its growth with India’s sustainable future.

This R&D hub also boosts employment opportunities for engineers and researchers in Chennai, strengthening India’s Make in India and Skill India missions. The collaboration between global expertise and local talent will create a fertile ground for innovation the launch of KONE Elevators (Indian Green) India’s R&D facility in Chennai represents a breakthrough moment for India’s infrastructure growth. It not only enhances KONE’s global competitiveness but also strengthens India’s role in shaping the future of urban mobility. With sustainable, smart, and people-centric solutions, KONE is set to redefine the future of elevators and escalators in India and beyond.

The establishment of the R&D centre also reflects a strategic move by KONE to strengthen its collaborations with academia and research institutions in India. By partnering with universities and technology institutes, the company aims to foster a culture of innovation and provide young engineers with opportunities to work on real-world solutions. Such collaborations are expected to accelerate advancements in artificial intelligence, sensor technologies, and digital twins, which will play a key role in the elevators of the future.