Evo G Cèaban Trice-fhorca by Zhenghai Shang and Yingchun Bai

Evo G Cèaban Trice-fhorca by Zhenghai Shang and Yingchun Bai is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Duais Umha A' Design Award in Dealbhadh Innealra Trom Competition Category.

UmhaInnealra Trom· 2026

Evo G Cèaban Trice-fhorca

by Zhenghai Shang and Yingchun Bai

Client: Heli Forschungs- und Entwicklungszentrum Europe GmbH

Duais Umha A' Design Award Winner in Innealra Trom Category

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The Design

About Evo G Cèaban Trice-fhorca

'S e cèaban modularach a th' ann an Evo G a chaidh a dhealbhadh airson tricean-forca. Tha an structar air a dhèanamh de cho-stuth poliurethan air a chruthachadh le moltadh in-stealladh freagairt, pròiseas a cheadaicheas uachdaran lùbte agus lùghdachadh cuideim de 15 gu 20 sa cheud an coimeas ri cèabain stàilinn àbhaisteach. Tha an cèaban a' tomhas 1300 le 1060 le 1810 millemeatairean. Tha na modalan suidheachain, smachd agus sàbhailteachd eadar-mhalairteach tro eadar-aghaidhean meacanaigeach cunbhalaichte, agus mar sin faodar an cèaban atharrachadh, a chumail suas agus ùrachadh gu luath. Tha consol smachd claon, suidheachan a ghabhas atharrachadh agus fuaim is crith lùghdaichte a' cuingealachadh sgìths an obraiche.

The Recognition

About the Duais Umha A' Design Award

Tha Evo G Cèaban Trice-fhorca air Duais Umha A' Design Award a bhuannachadh, aithneachadh gu math urramach a bheirear do dhealbhaidhean sònraichte a tha air an comharrachadh le cruthachalachd, innleachd agus geurchuis. Tha buannaichean Umha nan obraichean gu math sgileil agus gu sònraichte cruthachail a dhearbhas eòlas farsaing, mac-meanmna agus tapachd an luchd-dealbhaidh. Thathar an dùil gum bi Evo G Cèaban Trice-fhorca na nì air a bheil mòran meas, ion-mholta agus gràdhach, a tha gu sònraichte proifeiseanta agus ùr-ghnàthach. Tha an dealbhadh seo a bhuannaich Duais Umha A' Design Award a' cur nan cleachdaidhean as fheàrr ann an ealain, saidheans, dealbhadh agus teicneolas an gnìomh, agus tha e sàr-mhath airson an aire do mhion-fhiosrachadh. Bidh Evo G Cèaban Trice-fhorca a' sàsachadh fheumalachdan gu h-iongantach, a' suathadh ri miannan, a' tàladh faireachdainnean agus a' togail fiosrachd.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: The modular forklift cabin integrates automotive technology and aesthetics, utilizing RIM (Reaction Injection Molding) to create a lightweight, high-strength structure with superior ergonomic comfort. Modular operational components adapt to diverse working conditions, enhancing efficiency and safety. Human-centered in concept, it redefines industrial vehicle operation through modularity and car-like innovation.
Dimensions & Packaging: Cab size: 1300mm x 1060mm x 1810mm
Tags: Modular Forklift, RIM Manufacturing Technology, Smart Logistics,Ergonomic Optimization,Human-Centered Design
Production Technology: Reaction injection molding structure, polyurethane-based composite materials formed through low temperature RIM processing enable complex aerodynamic surfaces with integrated lightweight, high-strength construction, reducing material consumption and enhancing corrosion resistance.

Lightweight Engineering, 15–20% weight reduction compared to conventional steel cabins improves vehicle energy efficiency and operational stability.

Modular architecture cabin decomposed into interchangeable functional units (seat, control, safety modules) using standardized mechanical interfaces for rapid assembly, maintenance, upgrade, and customization.

Integrated ergonomic system, inclined control console, adjustable seating geometry, and optimized noise, vibration, harshness performance derived from automotive engineering standards.

Lifecycle-oriented manufacturing, recyclable composite materials, repair-friendly modular components, and reduced production energy demand support circular economy principles and long-term durability.
Design Challenge: The greatest challenge was reconciling industrial durability with automotive-level comfort and aesthetics. Forklift cabins must withstand heavy-duty environments, strict safety regulations, and structural load requirements, leaving limited flexibility for expressive form. Integrating lightweight RIM structures with modular architecture while maintaining strength, stability, and cost efficiency required extensive engineering validation.

Another key challenge was balancing innovation with operator familiarity, introducing a car-like, human-centered cockpit without disrupting established workflows. Achieving intuitive interaction, reduced fatigue, and rapid adaptability within a harsh industrial context demanded deep ergonomic research and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Research: Research Background
Traditional forklift cabins often prioritize mechanical performance over operator experience, resulting in fatigue, limited comfort, and inefficient workflows. Increasing demand for human-centered and sustainable industrial solutions necessitated a new design paradigm.

Methods
Qualitative user interviews, on-site observation, ergonomic analysis, and competitive benchmarking were conducted to identify key pain points and innovation opportunities.

Tools
Anthropometric data modeling, ergonomic simulation software, CAD/CAE engineering platforms, and RIM material feasibility testing supported design validation.

Participants
Forklift operators, logistics managers, maintenance technicians, and industrial designers across European and Asian markets.

Results and Insights
Findings highlighted the need for enhanced comfort, modular adaptability, and intuitive interaction. Integrating automotive ergonomics, modular architecture, and lightweight RIM technology significantly improves efficiency, safety, and lifecycle sustainability while strengthening product differentiation.
Inspiration: The design originates from real operator needs. Traditional forklift cabins often cause fatigue due to confined space and complex controls; research revealed a demand for both efficiency and comfort. This led to the fusion of automotive-inspired aesthetics with modular functionality. RIM technology enabled fluid surfaces and lightweight structures, supporting removable modules. In a homogenized market, aesthetic innovation creates clear differentiation and elevates perceived quality.
Project Duration: The project started in May 2025 in Germany and will finish in May 2026.
Operation Flow: Human-Centered operational logic, ergonomically optimized layout based on anthropometric data ensures intuitive reach zones, minimized motion range, and reduced operator fatigue during long-hour shifts.

Immersive cockpit interaction, inclined control console, adaptive seat adjustment, and optimized sightlines create a focused, car-like driving experience that enhances situational awareness.

Modular task adaptability, interchangeable control and function modules allow rapid configuration changes to match diverse operational workflows and application scenarios.

Intuitive control architecture, standardized interface logic simplifies training, shortens onboarding time, and enables seamless transition between different operators.

Reduced cognitive and physical load, low-noise NVH optimization and streamlined control hierarchy improve concentration, precision handling, and overall workflow efficiency.
Patents: Copyrights belong to Heli Forschungs- und Entwicklungszentrum Europe GmbH
Team Members: Zhenghai Shang, Yingchun Bai, Jing Zhao, Yang Chen, Guofeng Cai, Hongtao Zhang, Hongsheng Zhao, Zixian Li, Chao Hu, Yang Meng, Fei Ye, Wei Li, Jie Wang, Lin Zhang, Xueyin Shi, Xuemin Zhang
Image Credits: Heli Forschungs- und Entwicklungszentrum Europe GmbH