Helsinki, Finland – KONE, a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry, has won the prestigious Red Dot Award for Product Design 2024 in the Industrial Equipment, Machinery and Automation category. The commendation was received for the KONE 4G Gateway elevator connectivity device, honouring the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and user-centric design capabilities.

Manufactured by KONE with KONE China & Asia Technology of Kunshan, China, 4G Gateway is a new-generation data terminal for easy installation in narrow spaces, such as cabinets and elevator shafts. Cloud-based, the device addresses signal issues and provides robust connectivity.

“The KONE 4G Gateway project reduced costs without compromising product quality,” says Jonathan Lv, Senior Vice President, China Digital Technology, KONE. “From concept to market launch, the entire product life cycle only took seven months. The development team efficiently proposed and evaluated five concept solutions in agile ways of working and selected the best outcome for implementation.”  

KONE 4G Gateway is both economical and eco-friendly. Its minimalist, flexible design features make it space-efficient and cut production costs by 43 percent as well as material usage by 75 percent. By increasing signal strength, the device helps to ensure the elevator stays connected to the KONE cloud service around the clock, improving passenger safety and comfort while ensuring reliable assistance in an emergency.

A wide range of KONE designs and innovations have been recognized with more than 40 Red Dot awards over the years. Examples of previous winners include the landmark KONE DX Class digital experience elevator, KONE Lane turnstile next-generation access gate system, and KONE I Series elevator interior offering.