By Teoh Tze Ping
Managing Director, KONE Malaysia & Brunei
Amid Malaysia’s rapid urbanisation and the emergence of complex modern structures across the country, the need to revolutionise building safety has become increasingly urgent.
In this transformative era, the intersection of technological advancement and engineering innovation presents unprecedented opportunities to elevate safety standards in our built environment. Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerges as a key technology capable of driving predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and advanced automation to safeguard buildings and their occupants.
In a scenario where all elevators and escalators abruptly cease to function, how would we ensure the smooth movement of people? What repercussions would this pose for metro stations, airports, hospitals, and office buildings in densely populated urban areas?
Globally, AI technologies have been harnessed to augment structural health monitoring across diverse infrastructures such as buildings, bridges, and roads. In Malaysia, the adoption of AI-driven technologies in buildings aligns with the nation’s ambitions to foster smart cities. Kuala Lumpur, in particular, is seeing a rise in smart buildings equipped with interconnected technologies, a trend highlighted by Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Kamarulzaman Mat Salleh.
Smart sensors and IoT devices powered by AI can continuously monitor structural health, detect anomalies, and predict potential failures before they occur. These technologies enable proactive maintenance, improving safety and ensuring the longevity of buildings.
Integrating AI into buildings
Elevators and escalators, critical components of modern high-rise structures, benefit significantly from AI-driven enhancements. By leveraging AI algorithms, these systems can anticipate traffic patterns, minimise waiting times, and alleviate congestion — all while enhancing the overall user experience and operational efficiency.
In high-rise buildings, AI integration ensures smooth and seamless people flow, optimising operations and enhancing user experience. Effective people flow management within complex environments is essential for maintaining optimal operations. At KONE, we assist customers by connecting elevators, escalators, and automatic building doors to our cloud-based service and utilising AI-enabled analytics to elevate people flow management to new heights.
Predictive maintenance for enhanced safety, building value
One key opportunity with AI is predictive maintenance for elevators. An AI-based approach allows building owners to continuously analyse elevator performance and risks, reducing breakdowns and enhancing accessibility.
This proactive approach ensures higher safety standards and minimises potential hazards, making buildings safer for all occupants. For instance, KONE’s 24/7 Connected Services equips elevators with sensors and state-of-the-art technology, providing extensive data on performance, usage patterns, and potential issues. Depending on the severity of the problem, this system informs building owners of maintenance needs and alerts technicians or customer support.
Through 24/7 monitoring, building owners receive immediate notifications of problems and can plan future maintenance effectively. This continuous flow of information integrates real-time and historical data, ensuring that issues are addressed promptly, maintaining smooth elevator operation, and contributing to overall building efficiency. As a result, it enhances safety, provides complete transparency, and offers peace of mind for consumers.
From a business perspective, AI-powered predictive maintenance offers substantial returns on investment by mitigating risks associated with equipment breakdowns and operational disruptions. According to the Deloitte AI Institute Report, avoiding breakdowns can prolong the lifespan of machines and assets, enabling businesses to derive greater value from their current investments. AI-based predictive maintenance can extend the lifetime of equipment by proactively identifying up to 70 per cent of faults, resulting in 44 per cent fewer callouts and reducing unplanned equipment disruptions for passengers.
Transitioning to AI, predictive maintenance
Transitioning from reactive to predictive maintenance in buildings presents an opportunity for growth. However, many building management teams may encounter challenges due to the need for specialised knowledge in effectively managing and interpreting data from advanced predictive maintenance technologies.
To bridge this gap, partnering with specialised service providers who can offer the required expertise can be a viable solution. Companies like KONE are at the forefront of this transformation, offering AI-powered vertical transportation solutions designed to optimise efficiency and elevate user experiences to new heights.
The data and information provided directly integrate serviced equipment into building management systems. Additionally, KONE collaborates with reputable partners to scale up their digital services for smart buildings. By leveraging global cloud solutions such as IoT, analytics, and cybersecurity through these partnerships, the company strengthens its defences and ensures the security of its smart building technologies.
As Malaysia continues its journey towards urbanisation and sustainable development, the integration of AI in building safety and maintenance will play an increasingly pivotal role.
AI technologies enable streamlined operations, reduced energy consumption, and enhanced passenger experiences within elevators and escalators. By adopting these innovative technologies, building owners can future-proof their properties, ensuring they remain attractive and efficient in meeting the evolving needs of tenants and residents.
