Revolutionizing construction with Schindler R.I.S.E

Speed, accuracy, efficiency, and safety – these are just some of the ways in which our Robotic Installation System for Elevators (Schindler R.I.S.E) is transforming construction projects around the world. Recently one of our robots was deployed to help with installation at the new Shaw Tower building in downtown Singapore, which was successfully completed in May 2025.

Singapore’s buildings are growing taller, faster, and there’s a seemingly endless demand for speed and efficiency in the construction process. Alongside this, the Singapore government has set up initiatives to encourage local construction companies to adopt more automated and digital processes and reduce labour dependency on jobsites.

Schinder R.I.S.E is the world’s first fully autonomous self-climbing robotic system for lift installation. Our team in Singapore deployed this innovative solution at Shaw Tower in April 2025 to support the redevelopment of this iconic building located on Beach Road.

The technology behind Schindler R.I.S.E

Schindler R.I.S.E can operate around the clock to perform a variety of multifunctional tasks, autonomously navigating lift shafts up to 500 meters in height. It’s equipped with tools to scan for obstacles and rebar, drill holes and install anchor bolts with precision and speed. There are only five of these ground-breaking robots in the world, and they work year round, traveling from site to site automating a particularly challenging part of the construction process.

Traditionally this part of the building process is undertaken by construction professionals, but it’s hot, dusty and gruelling work. The job is demanding and Schindler R.I.S.E provides a new level of safety by carrying out the repetitive and physically demanding tasks.

The climate in Southeast Asia is notoriously hot and humid with temperatures often reaching 35C. With Schindler R.I.S.E, human involvement in the construction of the lift shaft is drastically reduced and limited to a specialist operator who monitors the robot’s movements via a remote-control panel. It minimizes the time fitters spend exposed to height and fatigue-related hazards and enabling them to concentrate on other critical aspects of the project.

Schindler R.I.S.E does the uncomfortable part of the job, while also reducing the risks of errors, rework, or accidents. The potential to elevate industry standards through this advanced technology is hugely attractive to contractors of Southeast Asia, who want to provide safe and high-precision work on the growing number of skyscraper projects they take on.

Integrating with digital construction technology

Driven by the requirement for a safer and more efficient construction industry, Schindler R.I.S.E takes inspiration from advancements in automation and digital project management such as BIM (Building Information Modelling). The robot can receive data directly from the digital building model to ensure that bolts are placed according to the layout design. Information and data from each step of the installation is recorded and automatically uploaded to the digital model of the building for future reference.

The deployment of Schindler R.I.S.E at Shaw Tower, Singapore

Schindler R.I.S.E arrived in Singapore in April 2025 to support the construction of the new Shaw Tower. Designed with advanced sustainable features, the 200-meter mixed use development reflects Singapore’s vision of a modern and technology-enabled built environment and contributes to the ongoing rejuvenation of the country’s Downtown Core. It will offer flexible configurations to meet a variety of tenant needs, including office spaces, food and beverage outlets, retail, and other amenities.

"We are at the forefront of developing and constructing sustainable, innovative buildings in Singapore," says Micheal Li, Managing Director of Schindler Lifts Singapore. "Shaw Tower marks a pivotal step on this journey. Technologies like Schindler R.I.S.E are a game-changer, allowing us to streamline processes, speed up build schedules, and ultimately deliver leading-edge buildings. By embracing techno-logical advancements, we’re taking significant steps towards our goal of creating greener and more efficient structures for generations to come."

This advanced propriety technology presents a powerful vision for Singaporean and Southeast Asian construction. By streamlining workflows, optimizing resources and improving safety, the potential to accelerate construction timelines and efficiency is huge. And with the Council on Vertical Urbanism marking Singapore in the top twenty tallest cities, the performance of Schindler R.I.S.E will be keenly monitored.

Click here to find out more about the new Shaw Tower.