Evo G Taiwhanga Whakahaere Pereki Hiki by Zhenghai Shang and Yingchun Bai

Evo G Taiwhanga Whakahaere Pereki Hiki by Zhenghai Shang and Yingchun Bai is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award Parahi in Hoahoa Mīhini Taumaha Competition Category.

ParahiMīhini Taumaha· 2026

Evo G Taiwhanga Whakahaere Pereki Hiki

by Zhenghai Shang and Yingchun Bai

Client: Heli Forschungs- und Entwicklungszentrum Europe GmbH

A' Design Award Parahi Winner in Mīhini Taumaha Category

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Colors

The Design

About Evo G Taiwhanga Whakahaere Pereki Hiki

He taiwhanga whakahaere kōwae a Evo G i hoahoatia mō ngā pereki hiki. He mea hanga te anga ki te pūhui polyurethane i whakaahuatia mā te whakarewa werohanga tauhohenga, he tukanga e taea ai ngā mata kōpiko me te whakaheke taumaha mai i te 15 ki te 20 ōrau ina whakatauritea ki ngā taiwhanga maitai tawhito. Ko ngā inenga o te taiwhanga ko te 1300 mā te 1060 mā te 1810 mitamano. Ka taea te whakawhiti i ngā kōwae nohoanga, whakahaere me te haumaru mā ngā atanga miihini kua whakaritea paerewa, nō reira ka taea te urutau, te tiaki me te whakahou tere i te taiwhanga. Mā te papa whakahaere tītaha, te nohoanga ka taea te whakarite, me te whakaheke o te hoihoi me te wiri e whakaiti ai te ngenge o te kaiwhakahaere.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Parahi

Ko Evo G Taiwhanga Whakahaere Pereki Hiki te toa o te A' Design Award Parahi, he whakaaetanga tino whai mana e hoatu ana ki ngā hoahoa kōeke e tohua ana mā te auaha, te mahi mōhio me te whakaaro hōhonu. Ko ngā toa Parahi he mahi pukenga e rite ana, he auaha mīharo, e whakatūturu ana i te wheako nui, te whakaaro me te mōhio-ā-ringa o ā rātou kaihoahoa. E tūmanakohia ana ko Evo G Taiwhanga Whakahaere Pereki Hiki he taonga whakanuia, whakamīharotia, aroha nui, he ngaio, he auaha hoki. Ko tēnei hoahoa i toa i te Parahi e whakauru ana i ngā tikanga pai rawa i te toi, te pūtaiao, te hoahoa me te hangarau, ā, he tino mīharo ki ngā taipitopito. Ka whakatutuki a Evo G Taiwhanga Whakahaere Pereki Hiki i ngā hiahia, ka pā ki ngā hiahia, ka whakaoho i ngā kare-ā-roto, ā, ka kume i te pākiki.

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