Zhenghai Shang and Jing Zhao · CLIENT: Heli Forschungs- und Entwicklungszentrum Europe GmbH
Amo is a multifunctional armrest designed for forklift cabs. The armrest gathers control buttons within a compact zone, so the operator can perform frequent actions with small finger and wrist movements instead of large arm motions. The curved surface supports the forearm and follows the shape of the hand. A replaceable front control module can be exchanged quickly to match different driver habits, which reduces the number of armrest types needed. Amo is made from modular injection molded parts with standardized interfaces.
Press Kit
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Image Credits
- Heli Forschungs- und Entwicklungszentrum Europe GmbH
- Patents
- Heli Forschungs- und Entwicklungszentrum Europe GmbH
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