German tech company ThyssenKrupp recently released a video on the web promoting their rope-free elevator system “MULTI” that can travel both horizontally and vertically within skyscrapers.

Reminiscent of a ‘Star Trek’ invention or something out of ‘Willy Wonka,’ the elevator will use linear motor technology, which is similar to magnetic levitation trains. The system will have two motors; one that drives horizontal movement and one that allows for vertical motion, and this system can allow for multiple cabins to travel in the same loop. With this system, ThyssenKrupp executive says that the system will allow passengers to access an elevator cabin every 15 to 30 seconds.

The company says that “high-rise buildings tripled since 2000,” and major innovation is necessary to not only reduce time wastage, but to increase building efficiency. They claim that their system can increase a building’s available space by 25 percent by not limiting the shape of the high-rise.

The video created by ThyssenKrupp can be found at the link below, and it helps create a visual for the idea they’re proposing. If their invention works, it could forever change the look of city skylines and could open so many new doors in countless professional fields by providing “no more limits in height, shape, and mobility.” Keep a look out for its initial testing starting in 2016.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUa8M0H9J5o#t=111