Schindler robot makes UK debut on Victoria Street

Swiss lift and escalator manufacturer Schindler has to date produce five of its Robotic Installation System for Elevators (Schindler RISE). For the first time, one of the five construction robots is being deployed on a UK project – the all-electric 105 Victoria Street development in central London.

The 445,000 sq ft building, developed by real estate investment manager BGO, is the UK’s largest 100% electric, net zero carbon office development. Skanska is the main contractor and completion is targeted for 2026.

The Schindler RISE is a self-climbing robot that is designed to manoeuvre itself within the building’s lift shaft to install elevator 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 humans but it is hot, dusty and gruelling work. With Schindler RISE, human involvement is limited to an operator monitoring the robot’s movements via a remote-control panel.

Skanska executive vice president Terry Muckian said: "At Skanska, we believe that embracing advanced technologies like Schindler RISE 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 a better place to be.”

BGO principal Emma Foster said: “From the outset, we have sought to work with partners that are aligned with this commitment at every stage. We are thrilled to partner with Schindler and Skanska to bring this game-changing innovation to the UK for the first time, prioritising worker wellbeing and facilitating a safer, more efficient and forward-thinking construction industry.”

Stuart Cross, managing director of Schindler UK & Ireland, added: “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 RISE. 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 utilise it at a building’s core.”

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