Evo G Cabina de carretilla elevadora by Zhenghai Shang and Yingchun Bai

Evo G Cabina de carretilla elevadora by Zhenghai Shang and Yingchun Bai is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award de Bronce in Deseño de Maquinaria Pesada Competition Category.

BronceMaquinaria Pesada· 2026

Evo G Cabina de carretilla elevadora

by Zhenghai Shang and Yingchun Bai

Client: Heli Forschungs- und Entwicklungszentrum Europe GmbH

A' Design Award de Bronce Winner in Maquinaria Pesada Category

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The Design

About Evo G Cabina de carretilla elevadora

Evo G é unha cabina modular deseñada para carretillas elevadoras. A estrutura está fabricada en composite de poliuretano formado mediante moldaxe por inxección con reacción, un proceso que permite superficies curvas e unha redución de peso do 15 ao 20 por cento en comparación coas cabinas convencionais de aceiro. A cabina mide 1300 por 1060 por 1810 milímetros. Os módulos de asento, control e seguridade son intercambiables a través de interfaces mecánicas estandarizadas, de xeito que a cabina pode adaptarse, manterse e actualizarse rapidamente. Unha consola de control inclinada, un asento axustable e a redución do ruído e das vibracións limitan a fatiga do operador.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award de Bronce

Evo G Cabina de carretilla elevadora gañou o A' Design Award de Bronce, un recoñecemento altamente prestixioso outorgado a deseños sobresaíntes que se distinguen pola creatividade, o enxeño e a sagacidade. Os gañadores Bronce son artefactos amplamente hábiles e sorprendentemente creativos que autentican a vasta experiencia, imaxinación e enxeño dos seus deseñadores. Espérase que Evo G Cabina de carretilla elevadora sexa un obxecto moi apreciado, admirado e querido, notablemente profesional e innovador. Este deseño gañador do A' Design Award de Bronce incorpora as mellores prácticas da arte, a ciencia, o deseño e a tecnoloxía, e é excelente pola súa atención ao detalle. Evo G Cabina de carretilla elevadora satisfai espléndidamente as necesidades, toca os desexos, encanta os sentimentos e atrae a curiosidade.

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