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 Tech | Mar 17, 2020
A tree grows in Stanford: CIFE, VDC, and where it all began
As our industry adopts VDC as standard practice, it is important to remember where these ideas began and continue to emanate from today.
AEC Tech | Mar 10, 2020
No labor. No infrastructure. No problem.
OpenSpace’s AI-based reality capture tool looks to make site documentation a completely passive experience.
Healthcare Facilities | Mar 9, 2020
Mobile wayfinding platform helps patients, visitors navigate convoluted health campuses
Gozio Health uses a robot to roam hospital campuses to capture data and create detailed maps of the building spaces and campus.
Green | Mar 9, 2020
BuroHappold commits to all new building projects achieving net-zero carbon by 2030
The engineering firm also launched a long-term partnership with ILFI.
Architects | Mar 2, 2020
Two ‘firsts’ for Sasaki and LEO A DALY
Following an industry trend, the firms hire chiefs of technology and sustainability, respectively.
AEC Tech | Feb 22, 2020
Investor interest in the built environment not quite as avid in 2019
Builtworlds’ annual list of venture deals led by workspace providers.
AEC Tech | Feb 13, 2020
Exclusive research: Download the final report for BD+C's Giants 300 Technology and Innovation Study
This survey of 130 of the nation's largest architecture, engineering, and construction firms tracks the state of AEC technology adoption and innovation initiatives at the AEC Giants.
AEC Tech | Feb 5, 2020
BIM London: A glimpse of BIM discussions across the pond
Digital twin, ISO standards, blockchain, and data were the hot topics at the recent The Digital World: BIM event.
AEC Tech | Jan 16, 2020
EC firms with a clear ‘digital roadmap’ should excel in 2020
Deloitte, in new report, lays out a risk mitigation strategy that relies on tech.
Green | Jan 10, 2020
How the new EC3 tool raises the bar on collective action
Nearly 50 AEC industry organizations partnered to develop the groundbreaking Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator.
