Evo G Kabine ya Forklift by Zhenghai Shang and Yingchun Bai

Evo G Kabine ya Forklift by Zhenghai Shang and Yingchun Bai is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Igihembo cya A' Design Award cya Buronze in Imashini Nkuru Competition Category.

BuronzeImashini Nkuru· 2026

Evo G Kabine ya Forklift

by Zhenghai Shang and Yingchun Bai

Client: Heli Forschungs- und Entwicklungszentrum Europe GmbH

Igihembo cya A' Design Award cya Buronze Winner in Imashini Nkuru Category

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Colors

The Design

About Evo G Kabine ya Forklift

Evo G ni kabine igizwe n'ibice bihinduka yagenewe imodoka za forklift zitwara ibintu biremereye. Imiterere yayo ikozwe muri polyurethane composite ikorwa hakoreshejwe uburyo bwa reaction injection molding, uburyo butuma habaho ubuso bugoramye kandi bukagabanya ibiro ku kigero cya 15 kugeza kuri 20 ku ijana ugereranyije na kabine zisanzwe zikozwe mu cyuma. Kabine ipima milimetero 1300 kuri 1060 kuri 1810. Ibice by'intebe, ibyo kugenzura n'iby'umutekano birashobora guhinduranywa binyuze mu buryo bwa mekanika busanzwe buhuje ibipimo, bityo kabine ishobora guhindurwa, gusanwa no kuvugururwa vuba. Ameza yo kugenzura ateretse ku buryo buberamye, intebe ishobora guhindurwa hamwe n'urusaku n'uguhinda umushyitsi bigabanyijwe bituma umukozi uyikoresha atananirwa vuba.

The Recognition

About the Igihembo cya A' Design Award cya Buronze

Evo G Kabine ya Forklift ni uwegukanye Igihembo cya A' Design Award cya Buronze, ishimwe ry'agaciro gakomeye ritangwa ku bishushanyo by'indashyikirwa birangwa no guhanga, ubwenge n'ubushishozi. Abegukanye Buronze ni ibihangano bifite ubuhanga bwinshi kandi bihanga cyane, bishimangira uburambe, ubwenge n'ubushobozi bw'ababihanze. Evo G Kabine ya Forklift biteganyijwe ko izaba ikintu cyubahwa, gishimwa kandi gikundwa, gifite ubunyamwuga n'udushya. Iki gishushanyo cyegukanye Buronze gikoresha uburyo bwiza mu buhanzi, ubumenyi, ubushushanyo n'ikoranabuhanga kandi kirarenze mu gutaha ku tuntu duto. Evo G Kabine ya Forklift ishimisha ibyo dukeneye, ikora ku byifuzo byacu, itwara amarangamutima yacu kandi ikurura amatsiko yacu.

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