Breaking! Kobe Institute of Computing to Exhibit New Technology for a Limited Time at EXPO 2025
The Industry-Academia Collaboration Team of Linearity Co., Ltd. and Kobe Institute of Computing (co-creation members: Linearity Co., Ltd. [Kyoto], Desird Design R&D [Turkey], Kobe Institute of Computing [Kobe]) will present the groundbreaking rope-less elevator technology “Linear Motor Elevator”—the solution the world has been waiting for—at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, for a limited exhibition period from September 7 (Sun.) to October 2 (Thu.), 2025.
In line with the Expo 2025 theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” we believe it is highly significant to present this pioneering technology on the global stage of the Expo. We warmly invite visitors to experience this cutting-edge innovation firsthand at the venue.
What is the Innovative Linear Motor Elevator?
The Linear Motor Elevator introduces a new concept in vertical mobility , where the cabin itself ascends and descends powered by a linear motor—without the need for ropes or pulleys. Its key features include:
- Enhanced safety through a rope-less structure
- Multi-car operation, enabling multiple cabins to run simultaneously
- Space-saving and high operational efficiency
Thanks to these innovations, this technology is expected to become a core infrastructure for next-generation cities and smart buildings.
Background of the Exhibition
The history of elevators dates back to the 1853 New York Expo, where the steam-powered elevator was introduced. In 1889—the same year as the Paris Expo—Otis Elevator Company in the U.S. developed the electric elevator, which has since become indispensable to buildings worldwide. Even today, the basic rope-driven structure has remained largely unchanged.
In contrast, the Linear Motor Elevator replaces the rope system with linear motor technology. The developer, Linearity Co., Ltd., is a deep-tech startup spun out of the laboratory of Professor Sándor Markon at Kobe Institute of Computing. The company was founded in 2017 following years of fundamental research since Kobe Institute of Computing establishment in 2005.
Exhibition Overview
- Co-Creation Challenge Title:
Next-Generation Mobility – The Challenge of the “Linear Motor Elevator” - Exhibit Content:
Demonstration unit of the Linear Motor Elevator, videos, and information panels - Exhibition Period:
September 7 (Sun.) to October 2 (Thu.), 2025 - Exhibition Venue:
Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan – Future Life Village “TEAM EXPO Pavilion” TE4 - Co-Creation Team Name:
Linearity Co., Ltd. / Kobe Institute of Computing : Industry-Academia Collaborative Team - Co-Creation Members:
Linearity Co., Ltd. (Kyoto), Desird Design R&D (Turkey), Kobe Institute of Computing (Kobe)
