Abstract: In some embodiments, a stairway system may include a staircase having a plurality of steps and including a plurality of actuators. Each step may be coupled to one or more actuators and may be configured to move vertically in coordination with one or more other steps to provide a virtual platform to carry a user from a first elevation to a second elevation as the user moves. A control system may cause the virtual platform to move continuously along the staircase by progressively adjusting a sequential set of steps to a common elevation, such that a user can walk forward across a level platform formed from two or more steps while the virtual platform changes elevation carrying the user.