Schindler Expands Fleet of Elevator Shaft Robots

Key Takeaways

• Fleet now seven robots, covering 36 global job sites.
• Installed ~50,000 anchor bolts, saving up to 40% installation time.
• Robots operate from hubs in Switzerland, Hong Kong, Australia.
• Improves worker safety by eliminating noisy, dusty drilling tasks.
• Nominated for Product Innovation of the Year 2026.

Pulse Analysis

Schindler’s R.I.S.E robot, first introduced in 2019, is a self‑climbing platform that autonomously navigates elevator shafts to drill holes and install anchor bolts. By handling the repetitive, high‑noise work that traditionally required skilled tradespeople, the robot delivers a measurable efficiency boost—Schindler reports up to 40 % faster installation cycles. To date the fleet has logged deployments in Austria, Poland, India, the United Kingdom, Brazil, China and Singapore, installing roughly 50,000 anchor bolts across 36 projects. The technology’s precision and repeatability also reduce re‑work, a common cost driver in high‑rise construction.

The safety implications are equally compelling. Elevators are installed in confined shafts where workers are exposed to dust, vibration and prolonged standing at height, conditions that contribute to fatigue and occupational injury. With a remote‑operated control panel, the R.I.S.E robot removes personnel from the most hazardous phase, aligning with stricter site‑safety regulations and ESG goals that many developers now prioritize. Contractors such as Skanska have already integrated the robot into flagship projects, citing tighter project timelines and lower labor overhead as decisive factors.

Schindler’s recent fleet expansion to seven units reflects growing market demand for automation in vertical construction. The company’s hub model—maintenance centers in Switzerland, Hong Kong and Australia—shortens logistics lead times and positions the robots for rapid deployment in emerging high‑rise markets across Asia‑Pacific and the Middle East. As the Digital Construction Awards nomination demonstrates, industry recognition is accelerating, likely spurring further investment from equipment manufacturers and construction firms eager to capture productivity gains and differentiate on safety performance.