Innovative measurement of vertical space

The start-up “Skanio” uses LiDAR scans to provide precise data for the modernisation of lifts and escalators.

The systems do not need to be taken out of service during the process more than a few minutes at a time. A new business model could help 3D measurement technology tap into further markets and customer groups.

By BERND LORENZ

Alessandro Pilone (r.) and Michael Williams at interlift in October 2025 Photo: © Bernd Lorenz/LIFTjournal

Caro, I’ve got an idea. I want to set up a company specialising in the measurement processes for lifts and escalators," recalls Caroline Bondier, thinking back to a phone call she received in 2023 from her long-standing colleague Alessandro Pilone. During the many years they worked for an international lift manufacturer, one thing became clear to them: despite all the digitalisation in the lift industry, there is still a gap in the market – the precise capture and conversion of As-Built measurement data for the modernisation and full replacement of systems and buildings, as well as for the tendering process.

"Alessandro felt he’d cracked the code by making LiDAR scans usable for visualising vertical space as well," says Caroline Bondier. When founding the company, they brought their respective strengths to bear.

"I bring a business background and extensive experience in modernisation. Alessandro is the technician who has spent his entire career in research and development. As the third member of the team, we brought in Michael Williams, whom we know from our former employer and who combines the best of both worlds." After bringing their service to market readiness and completing several pilot projects, the start-up "Skanio" was launched in April 2025.

3D IMAGES FROM THE SHAFT

Photo: © Skanio

"Our unique selling point is that with our measurement method, you don’t have to climb into the shaft or take the lift or escalator out of use more than a few minutes at a time," says Caroline Bondier, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Skanio. This greatly improves the speed, the efficiency and the safety of the survey, and it reduces the customer inconvenience. Caroline Bondier does not disclose any detailed information about the measurement process. "That’s our trade secret."

The LiDAR scan generates extremely precise 3D measurement points that form a point cloud model. This is then ‘rendered’ – that is, all coordinate points on the X, Y and Z axes are converted into a 3D representation or a photorealistic image. "This gives us a complete picture of the shaft, from which we can also remove the lift using the method we have developed," says Caroline Bondier. The results are then modelled and saved in an As-Built RVT or DWG file so that they can be edited in design programmes such as Autodesk or AutoCAD and later transferred into a BIM model.

On request, Skanio can also generate the lift survey data into development stages LOD 200 (schematic drawing), LOD 300 (detailed design) or LOD 350 (construction plan) for a BIM building model. Skanio makes all measurement results available on its platform, for it’s customer.

MARKETS AND CUSTOMERS

Since its official market launch in April 2025, Skanio has carried out around 350 commercial project laser scans – and interest is growing rapidly, according to Caroline Bondier. She hopes to reach the 1,000-scan mark by the end of this year. Skanio has initially focused on Europe, where the main markets are Finland, France and the UK.

Recently the Skanio services have also been launched in both Australia and USA as well and further new enquiries have already been received from Germany and Switzerland. So far, its customers have mainly been large lift manufacturers. "In every market where we operate, we work with at least one of the top six," says Caroline Bondier. But it is also time for medium-sized companies to jump on the bandwagon and warm to 3D surveying.

APPEARANCE IN NUREMBERG

Armed with a few pilot projects and reference sites, Alessandro Pilone and Michael Williams set off for interlift in October 2025. Their stand on the edge of Hall 3 was rather modest. But the message hit home. "The fact that we were exhibiting at the trade fair showed everyone: Skanio is no longer just an idea, but a serious business," recalls Caroline Bondier. Since then, the start-up has been able to significantly increase its customer base. This is also reflected in the takings. "In the first quarter of this year, we have already generated as much turnover as in the whole of last year."

Thanks to interlift and the existing network of colleagues in the lift industry, Skanio was also able to tap into new markets. "That came as a complete surprise to us," says Caroline Bondier. "As a young company, we initially wanted to focus solely on Europe, but we simply couldn’t turn down the attractive offers for several surveying projects from the US and Australia."

The start-up was also helped by the introduction of a new business model. At the start of the year, successful tests were carried out to show how customers can scan themselves using the LiDAR 3D device. "This gives you control over your own project throughout the entire planning phase," emphasises the CCO. Customers in Europe are also gradually recognising this advantage.

INVESTOR NETWORK

For their idea of creating LiDAR 3D scans for the modernisation of lifts and escalators, the Skanio founders initially managed to win over a private individual "with many years of experience in the manufacturing and process industries". His €100,000 contribution in early 2024 helped to drive forward research and development. In March 2026, further external capital flowed into the start-up.

Several parties are involved in the current funding round of 500,000 euros – including the Finnish Government, which is providing half the sum, and the Finnish venture capital firm Gorilla Capital, which is contributing a fifth. Investors from the lift industry are nowhere to be found. And that is set to remain the case. "Skanio’s business model is based on trust. That is why we want to remain completely neutral," emphasises Caroline Bondier.

Part of the fresh capital is being channelled into research and development. In future, an AI element on the platform is set to improve the analysis of the current condition by, for example, identifying which components are located in the shaft or machine room, or which structural deviations and defects are present. "The AI function is still in its infancy, but it could one day become interesting for the repair and maintenance business."

LIDAR SYSTEMS: The acronym LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging. It is a laser-based method for measuring distances and speeds. "LiDAR systems measure the time it takes for light emitted by a laser to be reflected by an object and detected by a sensor," explains the Research Factory for Microelectronics Germany (a collaboration between 13 Fraunhofer and 2 Leibniz Institutes).

The reflections of the laser beams produce a three-dimensional image, according to the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology. LiDAR technology is frequently used in autonomous driving and robotics.

More informations: skanio.co