Schindler—which manufactures and installs elevators, escalators, and moving walkways—has created a robot called R.I.S.E. (robotic installation system for elevators) to help install lifts in high-rise buildings.
Schindler calls R.I.S.E. the world’s first self-climbing, autonomous robotic system, saying it provides high-level accuracy, better-quality installations, improved planning with BIM integration, and improved worker safety.
As buildings are growing taller and wider, they place increasingly challenging demands on installation schedules. To date, elevators have been installed manually: Mechanics go into the elevator shaft to determine the correct mounting position of guide rail brackets, while drilling holes in the concrete walls to position the anchor bolts that hold the brackets. The same repetitive, manual procedure applies to the installation of elevator landing doors.
Watch R.I.S.E. in action:
With Schindler R.I.S.E, the Switzerland-based company has fully automated this part of the installation process. As a result, the elevator fitting can be done more quickly and accurately, while also improving the health and safety conditions for technicians. The innovation was shortlisted in the Innovation Leaders category of the Swiss Technology Award.
“As buildings are becoming higher and are erected faster, Schindler R.I.S.E is an effective tool in the tall building industry. It makes installations faster, safer, and more accurate, all benefiting our customers and technicians,” Thomas Oetterli, Schindler CEO, said in a statement. “Schindler R.I.S.E also serves as a flagship project for the general introduction of robotics in the construction industry to increase safety, quality, and efficiency on construction sites.”
Schindler R.I.S.E was first deployed in 2017 as a prototype. It then underwent testing on projects including The Circle at Zurich Airport. In 2020, after completing the testing phase, Schindler R.I.S.E was first deployed in Vienna’s TrIIIple project and Warsaw’s Varso Tower. The robot also has been used for Dubai’s Uptown Tower.
Related Stories
AEC Innovators | Aug 27, 2019
7 AEC industry disruptors and their groundbreaking achievements
From building prefab factories in the sky to incubating the next generation of AEC tech startups, our 2019 class of AEC Innovators demonstrates that the industry is poised for a shakeup. Meet BD+C’s 2019 AEC Innovators.
AEC Innovators | Aug 27, 2019
How engineering giant BuroHappold democratizes tech innovation
The firm's Computational Collective initiative presents employees with “a different way of thinking and working.”
AEC Innovators | Aug 26, 2019
Clayco seeks the cutting edge as a competitive advantage
Innovation has been in Clayco’s DNA since this general contractor was founded in 1984.
AEC Innovators | Aug 15, 2019
Oracle’s replica of a construction jobsite creates an immersive environment for AEC professionals
The Oracle Construction and Engineering Innovation Lab allows visitors to walk through five different stages of construction work, to test new AEC technologies and training techniques.
AEC Innovators | Aug 13, 2019
Stacking the deck: Marriott International embraces modular construction
The hotel giant has more than 50 projects in the works that incorporate prefab guestrooms or bathrooms.
AEC Innovators | Aug 9, 2019
Improving architectural designs through iteration
Computational design lets ZGF Architects see patterns that renderings and even models can’t show.
AEC Innovators | Aug 6, 2019
Structural engineer speeds skyscraper construction with novel building core design
With its Speed Core composite core wall system, Magnusson Klemencic Associates thinks it’s found a faster way to complete high-rise buildings.
AEC Innovators | Aug 5, 2019
Mace Group builds working on top of under-construction skyscrapers
The six-story factories eliminated the need for tower cranes, and increased productivity to the point where crews could complete 18 floors in 18 weeks.