Amo Sandaran Tangan Forklift by Zhenghai Shang and Jing Zhao

Amo Sandaran Tangan Forklift by Zhenghai Shang and Jing Zhao is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award Perak in Desain Suku Cadang Kendaraan, Aksesori Otomotif dan Produk Perawatan Competition Category.

PerakAksesori Kendaraan· 2026

Amo Sandaran Tangan Forklift

by Zhenghai Shang and Jing Zhao

Client: Heli Forschungs- und Entwicklungszentrum Europe GmbH

A' Design Award Perak Winner in Aksesori Kendaraan Category

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Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #179645

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Amo Sandaran Tangan Forklift

Amo adalah sandaran tangan multifungsi yang dirancang untuk kabin forklift. Sandaran tangan ini mengumpulkan tombol-tombol kontrol dalam satu zona yang ringkas, sehingga operator dapat melakukan tindakan yang sering dilakukan hanya dengan gerakan kecil pada jari dan pergelangan tangan, bukan gerakan lengan yang besar. Permukaannya yang melengkung menopang lengan bawah dan mengikuti bentuk tangan. Modul kontrol depan yang dapat diganti bisa ditukar dengan cepat untuk menyesuaikan kebiasaan pengemudi yang berbeda, sehingga mengurangi jumlah jenis sandaran tangan yang dibutuhkan. Amo dibuat dari komponen modular hasil cetak injeksi dengan antarmuka yang terstandardisasi.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Perak

Amo Sandaran Tangan Forklift adalah pemenang A' Design Award Perak, pengakuan yang sangat bergengsi yang diberikan kepada desain kelas atas yang indah dan mengesankan. Pemenang Perak adalah karya yang sangat cemerlang dan sangat kreatif yang menggambarkan keahlian, bakat, dan ketajaman luar biasa para desainernya. Amo Sandaran Tangan Forklift diharapkan menjadi karya yang menakjubkan, etalase keahlian, sangat profesional, dan sangat inovatif. Desain pemenang A' Design Award Perak ini adalah penemuan yang sangat menonjol dan dikagumi yang bermanfaat bagi dan memajukan batas-batas seni, sains, desain, dan teknologi. Amo Sandaran Tangan Forklift adalah kreasi yang sangat dicemburui yang membangkitkan keinginan, membawa perasaan positif, dan memercikkan keheranan dan kekaguman.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: Heli Forklift cab intelligent control system redefines forklift operation by enhancing comfort and efficiency. Its replaceable front control module adapts easily to regional forklift driver’s habits, reducing development costs. The ergonomic curved form fits the hand naturally, improving long-term comfort. Integrated control buttons allow operators to perform multiple actions with minimal movement, boosting efficiency and safety through human-centered, modular design.
Dimensions & Packaging: Fingertip model: 545mmx178mmx175mm
Tags: folklift operation; armrest; modular; ergonomics
Production Technology: The armrest is produced using modular injection-molded components, achieving precise ergonomic contours and integrated button layouts. The replaceable front module uses durable, lightweight materials to adapt to different driver habits. Advanced assembly processes and standardized interfaces enable efficient mass production, reduce material waste, and ensure a high-quality, sustainable industrial design solution.
Design Challenge: The main challenge was balancing standardization with individual adaptability. Forklift operators have significantly different control habits, yet the design needed to reduce product variation and manufacturing complexity. Integrating diverse interaction preferences into a single ergonomic interface, while maintaining intuitive use, precision, and durability, required extensive iteration. Developing a modular system that allows flexible control configurations without compromising structural integrity or usability was the most critical and complex aspect of the project.
Research: This project is based on ergonomic studies, field observations, and user interviews with forklift operators. Motion analysis revealed excessive arm travel and repetitive strain in traditional lever systems, while user research highlighted diverse control preferences. Findings informed an integrated control layout and modular front-end system, reducing movement, improving comfort, and enabling adaptable interaction within a single platform.
Inspiration: Amo was inspired by fatigue caused by traditional forklift armrests in long working hours. Valve-lever controls require large repetitive arm movements, leading to physical strain. Meanwhile, diverse driver habits force manufacturers to produce multiple armrest types, wasting resources. Through an ergonomic form with integrated controls and a replaceable front module, AMO adapts to different users while improving comfort, efficiency, and sustainability.
Project Duration: The project started in April 2025 in Germany and will achieve mass production in May 2026 in China.
Operation Flow: The armrest enables an intuitive rest-to-control workflow. The driver places the forearm on the ergonomic surface, with all key functions accessible within a compact control zone. High-frequency operations are executed through minimal finger and wrist movements, reducing arm fatigue. Controls are logically arranged and tactically differentiated for fast, distraction-free use. A replaceable front module allows quick switching between control types to match user preferences. This unified platform improves comfort, efficiency, and adaptability while minimizing resource redundancy.
Patents: Heli Forschungs- und Entwicklungszentrum Europe GmbH
Team Members: Zhenghai Shang, Jing Zhao, Ping Wang, Yingchun Bai, Wei Li, Jie Wang, Yang Meng, Chao Hu, Jianxiong Jia, jiong Ye, Xuemin Zhang
Image Credits: Heli Forschungs- und Entwicklungszentrum Europe GmbH