Skanska has deployed the Schindler Robotic Installation System for Elevators (Schindler R.I.S.E) at the 105 Victoria Street project in central London. This marks the first time this cutting-edge technology is being 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, Schindler R.I.S.E 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. These physically demanding tasks can lead to fatigue when performed at heights, but using a robot eliminates this risk. The specialist operator monitors the robot's movements via a remote-control panel, which not only accelerates work but also minimises risks of errors, rework, or accidents.
“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 utilise it at a building’s core,” says Stuart Cross, Managing Director of Schindler UK & Ireland.
Terry Muckian, Skanska Executive Vice President, emphasised the importance of technology and innovation to improve safety: "At Skanska, 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 a better place to be.”
Emma Foster, Principal at BGO, says: “Maximising sustainability, social value and wellbeing are fundamental to BGO’s mission, and 105 Victoria Street is a prime example of our commitment to finding alternative ways of achieving this. From the outset, we have been dedicated to finding innovative solutions that reduce carbon impact while enhancing efficiency at every stage of the project's life. Partnering with Schindler and Skanska allows us to introduce a groundbreaking construction solution to the UK for the first time—one that prioritises worker wellbeing and aligns with our vision for a more sustainable, forward-thinking construction industry.”
The utilisation of Schindler R.I.S.E by Skanska at 105 Victoria Street marks a significant milestone in construction automation in the UK. With over 600 skyscrapers currently planned across the country, this technology has the potential to transform elevator installation processes fundamentally.
The pioneering 105 Victoria Street building, developed by leading global real estate investment management company BGO, is set to become the UK’s largest 100% electric, net zero carbon office building. With enhancing whole-life sustainability at its core, the building features an Urban Farm, a ‘walk and talk’ track, a cycle ramp and 25,000 square feet of green space. It is being delivered by Skanska for completion in summer 2026.