Schindler introduces installation robot for lifts
The new system allows the company to combine advanced automation with elevator technology to execute elevator installation steps autonomously
SWISS lift manufacturer Schindler has successfully introduced new technology in Singapore that allows for robotic installation in elevators. The new system – called Robotic Installation System for Elevators (RISE), allows the company to combine advanced automation with elevator technology to execute elevator installation steps autonomously.
“This means greater safety and efficiency on high rise construction sites. Schindler RISE enables our clients to complete their projects faster and more efficiently. This is now more relevant than ever given many are faced with global construction site delays,” says Qiu Hai, managing director, Schindler Singapore.
While Schindler RISE technology was developed in Switzerland, the first batch of robots were manufactured and assembled at the factory of the system integrator in Italy. It was introduced here in January this year and deployed to the Avenue South Residence (ASR), which is a condominium project.
Increased quality of lift installation
Schindler says that ASR has 2 towers with a height of 200 meters and it supplied for each tower 6 common lifts and 1 private lift with a total 14 high rise lifts and 2 low rise lifts for the clubhouse and the function room. For the 5 conserved blocks with low height, it supplied 15 low rise home lifts.
Dr Qiu says that the Schindler RISE was used in the 14 high rise lifts in the 2 towers. “In January, a Schindler RISE expert was sent to Singapore to train the local staff. After the training our employees were able to autonomously operate the robot while conducting other works in the project.
“It increased safety for our employees through reduced time in the shaft, less hard work and less dirt and dust. At the same time, it increased the quality for our lift installation as all the bolts are set at a same and consistent high quality level. The robot has integrated quality checks. It is important that the bolts are set well as this is like the fundament of a house. All brackets and as such also the guide rails and lift are attached to the bolts.”
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This increased the efficiency of the project. “With the robot working autonomously in the lift shaft, the fitter does not have to install the bolts any more. Thus, having the robot on the project frees up time for other works on the job site. Drilling bolts is a very repetitive work which takes much time – time our fitter can use for more demanding works.”
The Schindler robot that has been deployed here in Singapore is affectionately named “Lea”, and is the first to be deployed in the South-east Asia region. Lea increases the safety of workers as well as the precision and efficiency of lift installations, contributing to a 30 per cent reduction in required man hours. The accuracy and high quality of the installations carried out by Lea also have a positive impact on day-to-day lift operations and maintenance, it adds.
This innovation is the result of strong collaboration within the Swiss manufacturing ecosystem, as it was developed in partnership with two other Swiss and Liechtenstein companies: Lea’s robotic arm was manufactured by ABB, and the drills and bolts used were supplied by Hilti Singapore. The project also features close Swiss-Singapore collaboration as the Singaporean company United Tec Construction has been key to bringing Lea to the country, says the Swiss embassy.
Dr Qiu says the new system has already been used in multiple locations in Asia. Besides being used here in the Avenue South Residence, which is also the tallest prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction (PPVC) residential development in the world, it was used in Tower 2 of the Xujiahui Center, one of the largest commercial complexes in downtown Shanghai. So far it has been working very well, he adds.
The first Schindler RISE prototype was used successfully in Switzerland at the Circle project in Zurich airport and the local installation team was fascinated and impressed by this new technology.
“So far, Schindler RISE has been used in 8 countries around the world. The system provides the fastest elevator installation, assures a high-quality installation while improving workers health and safety on the job site. The cutting-edge technology is ideally designed for high rise buildings,” he adds.
“The innovative technology has been used to install elevators in commercial complexes and residential buildings around the world, including the Triple Complex in Vienna, Austria and the Varso Tower in Warsaw, Poland – the tallest building in the European Union, but also several large projects in Switzerland and Dubai. It has recently been introduced into the Australian market.”
Schindler – founded in Switzerland in 1874, is a leading global provider of elevators, escalators and related services. The company says that it provides clients with one-stop business solutions to design, install, services, and modernises transport system for every type of building.
Its mobility solutions move more than 1.5 billion people every day all over the world.
Says Dr Qiu: “The company’s products – elevators, escalators, and moving walks transport more than 1.5 billion people up and down buildings and across transportation hubs every day. Behind the company’s success are over 69,000 employees spread over five continents and more than 100 countries.
The company says that with its long history it has been a pioneer in elevator technology with a long tradition of developing innovative mobility solutions. Innovation and sustainability continue to drive Schindler’s business growth in Singapore. It continues to provide advanced digital solutions and urban mobility solutions, as the company aims to support the smart cities of tomorrow.
Bringing value to customers
“Schindler RISE is an example of an innovative robotics system which provides a new level of worker safety and helps improve quality. On the other hand, Schindler’s API (Application Programming Interface) makes it possible for third-party systems and applications to be seamlessly integrated with Schindler Transit Management System. As part of our commitment to bringing sustainability and value to our customers, the Jardine Schindler Group has also established an innovation hub in Singapore to support and grow the Southeast Asia innovation ecosystem. Our teams are ready to support new building integrations tailored to your requirements,” adds Dr Qiu.
Dr Qui has more than two decades of experience in academic research, corporate R&D, sales and business management.
He became managing director of Schindler lifts Singapore in 2018, and was recently promoted to be President of Schindler Escalator Division at Schindler Group.
Meanwhile, Schindler says that it is shaping the construction sites of the future together with its customers. It is also collaborating with the Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, which is a non-profit organisation.
In its research agreement with the Council, it is looking into how robotic technology can positively impact the construction processes of tall buildings to improve the quality and speed of construction while maintaining safety on-site.
“We are proud to introduce this innovative robotics system which provides a new level of worker safety and helps improve quality. This is another example of Schindler’s commitment to providing the most advanced digital and urban mobility solutions to shape the smart cities of the future,” says Karl-Heinz Bauer, chief technology officer, Schindler Group.
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