Ieo Elektrischer Schwerlast-Gabelstapler by Jing Zhao and Zhenghai Shang

Ieo Elektrischer Schwerlast-Gabelstapler by Jing Zhao and Zhenghai Shang is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award in Platin in Schwermaschinendesign Competition Category.

PlatinSchwermaschinenbau· 2026

Ieo Elektrischer Schwerlast-Gabelstapler

by Jing Zhao and Zhenghai Shang

Client: Heli Forschungs- und Entwicklungszentrum Europe GmbH

A' Design Award in Platin Winner in Schwermaschinenbau Category

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The Design

About Ieo Elektrischer Schwerlast-Gabelstapler

Ieo ist ein elektrischer Schwerlast-Gabelstapler, der für Häfen und schwere Logistikeinsätze entwickelt wurde. Die Schnellladebatterie ermöglicht nach einer Stunde Ladezeit bis zu 10 Stunden Betrieb und bietet eine um 40 Prozent höhere Energieeffizienz als vergleichbare Dieselsysteme. Ein um 180 Grad drehbarer Sitz, eine AR-gestützte 360-Grad-Sicht und eine Sprachsteuerung unterstützen eine intuitive Bedienung. Adaptive Gegengewichte und modulare Gabeln verbessern Sicherheit, Stabilität und Vielseitigkeit. Recycelbare Materialien und ein modulares Lebenszyklusdesign verlängern die Nutzungsdauer und reduzieren Emissionen beim Umschlag schwerer Lasten.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award in Platin

Ieo Elektrischer Schwerlast-Gabelstapler ist Gewinner des A' Design Award in Platin, einer überaus prestigeträchtigen Anerkennung für wahrhaft außergewöhnliche, elegante und prachtvolle Designs. Platin-Gewinner sind Wunderwerke der Schöpfung, Zeugnisse der Grenzen intellektueller Kreativität und zeigen die unübertroffene Professionalität und Genialität ihrer Designer. Von diesen Designs wird erwartet, dass sie die renommiertesten Werke sind, die die Ästhetik einer Epoche prägen, zum Wohlergehen der Gesellschaft beitragen und die Grenzen von Kunst, Wissenschaft, Design und Technologie voranbringen. Ieo Elektrischer Schwerlast-Gabelstapler weist ein transzendentes Maß an Exzellenz auf und macht die Welt mit seinen vorteilhaften und wertvollen Eigenschaften unmissverständlich zu einem besseren Ort. Ieo Elektrischer Schwerlast-Gabelstapler ist ein mit dem A' Design Award in Platin prämiertes Werk, das Wünsche weckt, inspiriert, begeistert, erfreut und große Freude entfacht.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: IEO redefines heavy logistics with zero-emission power and human-centered intelligence. Its fast-charging battery provides 10 hours of operation after one hour of charging-40% more efficient than diesel. A 180° rotating seat, AR-assisted 360° vision, and voice control enable intuitive operation. Adaptive counterweights and modular forks improve safety and versatility. Built with recyclable materials and a modular lifespan design, IEO evolves from machine to smart partner for a greener future.
Dimensions & Packaging: Width 12450mm x Depth 4180mm x Height 4720mm
Tags: Heavy-duty forklift, electric forklift, AI-Assisted Vision, 180 rotatable seat, Truck, Sustainable Industrial Design, Ergonomic Design
Production Technology: High-capacity zero-emission electric drivetrain engineered for ultra-heavy load applications.
Fast-charging lithium-ion battery system: 1-hour rapid charge enabling up to 10 hours of continuous operation, delivering 40% higher energy efficiency than conventional diesel systems.
180° rotating ergonomic seat integrated with AR-assisted 360° surround vision and AI-driven predictive safety monitoring.
Voice-activated digital cockpit featuring HUD interface and intelligent navigation architecture.
Modular fork configuration with adaptive counterweight system for optimized load stability and operational flexibility.
Advanced ergonomic engineering to minimize operator fatigue and enhance handling precision.
Design Challenge: The primary challenge was resolving the endurance–load paradox: delivering zero-emission electric power at a 55-ton capacity while maintaining structural integrity, stability, safety compliance, and operational efficiency in extreme port environments.

A second challenge was balancing industrial robustness with automotive-level comfort and intelligent interaction. Introducing AI vision, AR navigation, and a car-like cockpit had to enhance usability without increasing system complexity or disrupting operator familiarity.

Integrating heavy-duty engineering, modular architecture, and digital intelligence into a scalable, production-ready platform required extensive cross-disciplinary validation, cost control, and lifecycle optimization.
Research: Research Background:
Heavy-duty forklifts face three critical challenges: high emissions, operator fatigue, and limited safety systems. As global ports move toward carbon neutrality, there is increasing demand for electrified, intelligent equipment that balances ultra-heavy load capacity with endurance, comfort, and sustainability.

Methods:
Field observations in port operations, in-depth operator interviews, ergonomic studies, and competitive benchmarking were conducted. Engineering feasibility studies and sustainability lifecycle assessments guided concept validation.

Tools:
Anthropometric data analysis, digital cockpit simulation, AR vision testing, CAD/CAE structural modeling, battery performance modeling, and lifecycle carbon assessment tools supported development.

Participants:
Forklift operators, logistics managers, safety engineers, R&D engineers, and industrial designers across European and Asian markets.

Results and Insights:
Research revealed that comfort, intuitive interaction, and zero-emission performance are as critical as load capacity. Integrating lithium electrification, AI-assisted vision, modular systems, and automotive-level ergonomics significantly improves safety (+60%), reduces learning time (–50%), enhances efficiency, and establishes a new paradigm: from heavy machine to intelligent industrial partner.
Inspiration: I work in the cab 8 hours a day, I need comfort, efficiency, and safety, said a swedish forklift driver. High emissions, limited comfort, and inadequate safety systems are the top three pain points. IEO550-700 responds with zero-emission power and human-centered intelligence. Guided by gravity intelligence, it merges mechanical strength with technological lightness, elevating the operator from driver to system conductor through an immersive digital cockpit and adaptive control.
Project Duration: The project started in May 2025 in Germany and will finish in May 2027.
Operation Flow: Smart evolution transforms operation into intelligent orchestration. AI-powered vision and AR navigation optimize workflow awareness, reduce blind spots, and increase operational safety by 60%. Real-time data visualization streamlines decision-making and minimizes process latency.

Human–Machine synergy redefines interaction. A car-like cockpit layout, intuitive controls, and adaptive feedback systems reduce learning time by 50%, enabling seamless control logic, faster task execution, and a smoother transition from traditional operation to intelligent collaboration.
Patents: Copyrights belong to Heli Forschungs- und Entwicklungszentrum Europe GmbH
Team Members: Jing Zhao, Zhenghai Shang, Yingchun Bai, Jie Wang, Lin Zhang, Yang Meng, Hongkai Zhang, Chao Hu, Fei Ye，Yue Yang
Image Credits: Heli Forschungs- und Entwicklungszentrum Europe GmbH