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Somehow, lifts that go sideways feel like something that should have been a part of our lives years ago. The German elevator company Thyssenkrupp has actually taken on the challenge.

British comedian and YouTuber Tom Scott decided to check it out for himself.

According to the company’s site, the elevator (called a Multi) swaps the usual rope and pulley method for technology that uses “linear motor technology developed for the magnetic levitation Transrapid train.” Essentially, this allows it to move sideways easily.

In case you’re wondering who would actually need a Multi, the company argues that it’s necessary to house more people in different kinds of structures to ensure everyone has a home. According to Thyssenkrupp, with two-dimensional elevator systems, we can almost think about turning travelling within a building into an experience that’s like using some kind of a rail system.

“Buildings are becoming like vertical cities,” says Markus Jetter, Head of Research on the company’s website, “and they need a flexible transport sytem similar to a metro. Speed alone does not solve the challenges posed by tall buildings.”

The Multi already has an enthusiastic customer lined up, by the way. It’s for a new office building in Berlin.