Skanska has deployed the Schindler Robotic Installation System for Elevators (R.I.S.E) at the 105 Victoria Street project in central London. This is the first time this technology has been used in the UK.
Schindler R.I.S.E is a self-climbing robot designed to navigate elevator shafts independently while installing components with “precision and speed”. Equipped with tools to drill holes and install anchor bolts, the robot significantly reduces human involvement in this part of the construction process, removing workers from the noisy, repetitive and dusty tasks of drilling and setting anchor bolts required for landing doors, divider beams and wall brackets.
Such tasks can lead to fatigue when performed at height, but using a robot eliminates this risk. The specialist operator monitors the robot’s movements via a remote-control panel.
Stuart Cross, managing director of Schindler UK & Ireland, said: “Innovation and sustainability are at the heart of this new high-rise in London, so it makes sense for 105 Victoria Street to be the first in the UK to appoint Schindler R.I.S.E. We’ve seen the advances in quality, speed and safety that the robots bring to projects around the world and, as automation becomes a bigger part of the construction process, it makes sense to use it at a building’s core.”
Making sites a better place to be
Terry Muckian, Skanska executive vice-president, emphasised the importance of technology and innovation to improve safety: “We believe that embracing advanced technologies like Schindler R.I.S.E is essential for pushing the boundaries of construction. By trialling these innovations, we can deliver projects with greater efficiency, safety, and quality.
“Additionally, using this robot enhances safety during the elevator installation and minimises exposure to noisy, dusty environments, making our work sites better places to be.”
The pioneering 105 Victoria Street building, developed by BGO, will be the UK’s largest 100% electric, net-zero carbon office building. The building features an urban farm, a ‘walk and talk’ track, a cycle ramp and 25,000 sq ft of green space. It is being delivered by Skanska for completion in summer 2026.
