The JK square project in São Paulo’s upscale district of Itaim Bibi is a symbol of architectural innovation through and through. Our cutting-edge elevator installation technology, Schindler R.I.S.E, was used in the construction of this stylish mixed-used building.
Marie spent six grueling weeks in transit, crossing the Atlantic from Ebikon in Switzerland – where Schindler is headquartered – to São Paulo in Brazil.
But don’t feel too bad for Marie.
Marie is one of our five 900-kilogram Schindler R.I.S.E (Robotic Installation System for Elevators) robots currently touring the world. They are technological marvels developed and used by our teams for global elevator installations.
After the transatlantic voyage and a brief stint in customs, our robot superstar eventually arrived at its destination: the prestigious JK Square project, named after former President Juscelino Kubitschek, founder of the national capital, Brasilia.
Designed by the architectural practice KPF and constructed by Brazilian engineering firm Engeform Engenharia, the project consists of two interconnected high-rise buildings with an exterior that combines glass, cherry wood veneer, and green spaces, creating a visually stunning mixed-use complex.
One tower is exclusively for corporate purposes, with 20 floors of office space and a rooftop helicopter pad – for time-pressed corporate executives. The 26-story second tower houses 51 residences and 187 hotel rooms. The podium level that connects the towers, for its part, hosts retail space and a parking area.
"It’s been a fantastic project to work on," says Giovana Ribeiro Zambrano, our Construction Project Supervisor, who oversaw the project and oversaw the installation of four Schindler 7000 and 14 Schindler 5500 elevators across the two towers. "We had two buildings, each with different requirements, that we were working on at the same time." With six-year-old twins keeping her on her toes at home, Giovana knows a thing or two about coordinating multiple tasks at once. "It’s a balancing act that usually succeeds," she says with a big smile when asked about her work-life balance.
The project marked the first time Schindler R.I.S.E was used in the Americas. The robot, tasked with preparing the shafts for the installation of our four Schindler 7000 elevators, scanned the shaft structure, conducted measurements, drilled holes, and fitted anchor bolts – all in a single, efficient, and precise process.
Giovana was thrilled at Marie’s arrival: "The robot makes elevator installation more efficient and means we can work at night." Once everything is set up, the robot can work autonomously, with an extremely high level of efficiency and precision – Marie required just 28 hours to complete the shaft’s full 96 meters. As with our elevators and escalators, the data from our Schindler R.I.S.E robots can be analyzed remotely, and any dimensional deviations can be adjusted.
Along with Maria the robot, Giovana also welcomed Viktor Wyrsch to the JK Square project site. Viktor is part of our Global Fulfillment team and an expert Schindler R.I.S.E trainer, having been involved in the early stages of the development of the technology.
"I’m always asked at construction sites about the advantages the robot presents," he says. "It takes over repetitive, monotonous, and physically demanding tasks, allowing installation in 130-meter doorless shafts. But on top of that, it makes the workplace safer and means that our installers can move to more interesting tasks."
Viktor was on-site to help train the local team in setting up and operating the robot, to ensure everything ran smoothly. And it did. Marie’s work at JK Square was completed in four intense weeks, then the robot embarked on its long sea voyage home – leaving behind a trail of great impressions.
Eduardo Rossetti, Business Director at Engeform Engenharia, the construction company of these two iconic towers, was won over by Schindler R.I.S.E.
"We were impressed by the robot’s pace and precision in drilling holes in the elevator shaft," he says. "Elevator installation is always a critical factor in project planning. We estimate that we’ve gained two weeks compared to traditional methods thanks to Schindler R.I.S.E."