Robotics Ease Redevelopment

Schindler R.I.S.E Robot Implemented  in Singapore

submitted by Schindler
images courtesy of Schindler

Schindler Group’s world-first Robotic Installation System for Elevators (Schindler R.I.S.E) is speeding up vertical construction projects around the world. One of the company’s five construction robots was deployed on the striking redeveloped Shaw Tower in downtown Singapore. Originally opening in 1975, the 35-story Shaw Tower has been completely redesigned by Aedas. Containing 437,000 ft2 with extensive retail and food and beverage offerings, the structure became Singapore’s first Grade A office tower to achieve Green Mark Platinum super low energy certification according to Building and Construction Authority (BCA) 2021 standards. 

Singapore’s buildings are growing taller, faster, and there’s a seemingly endless demand for speed and efficiency in the construction process. Alongside this, the Singapore government is challenging local construction companies to adopt more automated and digital processes through initiatives such as a joint announcement from the BCA and Infocomm Media Development Authority to encourage the adoption of robotics and automation.  

One area that is ripe for gains in automation and robotics is the construction of lift shafts, a notoriously time-consuming process. And world-leading lift and escalator manufacturer 

Schindler has created the perfect solution: Schindler R.I.S.E, which arrived in Singapore in April to work on redevelopment of the iconic Shaw Tower located on Beach Road.  

Schindler R.I.S.E is the world’s first self-climbing robot designed to maneuver itself along the building’s elevator shaft to install components. It is equipped with tools to drill holes and install anchor bolts with precision and speed. Traditionally this part of the construction process is undertaken by construction professionals, but it’s hot, dusty and grueling work.

With Schindler R.I.S.E, human involvement in this part of  construction is limited to a specialist operator who monitors the robot’s movements via a remote-control panel. This not only speeds up work, but reduces the risks of errors, rework or  accidents. Schindler Lifts Singapore Managing Director (GM) Michael Li said:   

“Schindler has around 70,000 employees globally, and each day, two billion people travel in one of our elevators for an average of 30 s. Our commitment is to ensure the safety and well-being of every one of them. It is through pioneering innovations such as Schindler R.I.S.E that we fulfil this promise.” 

Schindler R.I.S.E completed its task at Shaw Tower in June. This 200-m, mixed-use tower will boost the ongoing rejuvenation of Singapore’s downtown core. With leading credentials, Shaw Tower features technology-enabled features for a scalable and sustainable workplace. Shaw Towers Realty GM Alfred Yeung said:

“We are thrilled that Schindler has deployed R.I.S.E for Shaw Tower. With its speed and accuracy, we achieved time savings and improved safety outcomes compared to conventional installation methods. This also aligns with our corporate philosophy to use technology for better and more efficient solutions — for the construction of the tower now and, more importantly, for building users of Shaw Tower in the future.”

The robot can execute a series of previously manual steps with the ultimate precision and totally autonomously.

Schindler R.I.S.E is the first construction robot of its kind and uses advanced automated technology to deliver the fastest elevator installation method seen to date. The robot can  execute a series of previously manual steps with the ultimate precision and totally autonomously. “Safety is our top priority, and the use of Schindler R.I.S.E is an example of initiatives that we support to improve safety on projects like Shaw Tower — working safer and smarter,” said Ben Hobbins, senior construction manager of Lendlease, which is managing development, construction and operations of the building on behalf of Shaw Towers Realty. 

There are currently five robots in existence, traversing the world to support new construction projects. The technology continues to enjoy great success on projects across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. It has the potential to change how building contractors approach the process of installing a lift shaft. 

With the Council for Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat marking Singapore in the top 20 tallest cities, the performance of Schindler R.I.S.E will be keenly monitored. 

Check out a video of Schindler R.I.S.E on the Shaw Tower project

learn more about the robot by visiting Schindler’s Robotic Installation System for Elevators website.