SubscribeKONE has developed the world’s flattest autowalk technology, which makes autowalks considerably easier and sets a new standard in the escalator industry.
Due to the innovative pallet-return mechanism and a new kind of motor solution, each autowalk is so flat that, unlike conventional solutions, it can be installed entirely on the floor level, without needing a pit.
How does KONE InnoTrack™ work?
The new KONE InnoTrack™ autowalk technology includes two distinguishing features: first, the pallets arriving at the end of the autowalk are lowered to return tracks placed just under the walking level; and second, the motor is located inside the autowalk balustrade. In contrast, the motor, drive system and pallet-return tracks of conventional autowalks are located in a pit up to one meter below the floor level.
Benefits to all parties
Due to its revolutionary properties, the KONE InnoTrack™ autowalk reduces architectural design and installation costs. The savings in the planning and installation phase can even exceed the sales price of the autowalk. The equipment's optimized maintenance program minimizes stoppages and ensures safe and reliable operation throughout its lifetime.
KONE InnoTrack™ features and benefits
- Architectural freedom - The value for architects is better space efficiency and more freedom to locate autowalks. InnoTrack™'s modular truss structure makes this possible
- Easier installation- Adds value to the builder through fewer complications at the construction site and easier planning. With its modular design, InnoTrack™ is delivered to the installation site as sub-assemblies for "through the door" vs. "through the wall" installation. Enabling innovations are the new elevator-like installation methodology and KONE installation site absolutes
- Flat and light construction- Valuable to the architect and the builder because KONE InnoTrack™ does not require pit or modification to the finished floor
- 'Green' drive technology- Means that there is no oil in the drive unit and on the pallet chain. The motor is the highly efficient, electronically controlled next generation KONE PowerDisc®.
- Decorative pallets - more options for pallet colors and new decoration possibilities for the operator. KONE InnoTrack™ has a unique add-on pallet cover system
- Flexibility in use- Adds value to both the owner and the operator. KONE InnoTrack™ lives and evolves with the building, maximizing investment payback. This is possible because of InnoTrack™'s unique modular, surface-mounted structure
- Portability- Extends the lifetime of the owner's and operator's investment. The highly modular KONE InnoTrack™ can be moved to another location inside the building or even to new premises
- Solves difficult transportation problems. - The InnoTrack™ autowalk can be installed in places where traditional autowalks were not possible. Lightweight and flat, InnoTrack™ suits almost any location
Environmental concerns
KONE InnoTrack™ is environmentally friendly because of its oil-free drive system and pallet chain as well as significantly lower material consumption than traditional solutions. InnoTrack™ uses the latest KONE PowerDisc™ motor, which has proven to be a reliable and energy-efficient solution in KONE's elevators.
History of innovation
KONE InnoTrack™ is the creation of KONE R&D. Development started three years ago with the goals to develop flatter autowalks and modular escalator construction. The biggest design challenges were reducing the height of the pallet-turning mechanism to 200mm and developing a motor and drive system small enough to mount on the balustrade. More than 20 patents protect the innovations in KONE InnoTrack™.
What does KONE InnoTrack™ mean to its customers?
"KONE InnoTrack™ is a breakthrough innovation in the escalator business," says Heikki Leppänen, EVP, New Elevators and Escalators. "The modular-based flat technology platform and the easy installation/reinstallation possibility enable the use of InnoTrack™ autowalks in buildings and premises where autowalks have not been used before. InnoTrack™ can be installed without changes to the floor structure, simplifying the installation in both new and existing buildings. These features make InnoTrack™ a solution for a wide range of situations with a need for efficient traffic flow."
First delivery to Schiphol Airport on April 2007
The first six KONE InnoTrack™ autowalks have been installed in the B/C corridor at Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam, one of the world's most modern airports with advanced systems for efficient people flow management.
KONE is one of the world's leading elevator and escalator companies. It provides its customers with industry-leading elevators and escalators, with innovative solutions for their maintenance and modernization. KONE also provides maintenance of automatic building doors. In 2006, KONE had annual net sales of EUR 3.6 billion and approximately 29,000 employees. Its class B shares are listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange in Finland.