On 16 July 2026, the A’ Design Award & Competition ceremony was held in Como, Italy, bringing together designers and innovators from around the world.
HELI’s European R&D Centre received three awards across different categories, recognising the design and development of its latest material handling solutions. The IEO electric heavy-duty forklift received a Platinum Award, while the Amo multifunctional intelligent control module and Evo G modular forklift cab received Silver and Bronze Awards respectively.
The recognition highlights HELI’s continued focus on industrial design, intelligent control systems and user-centred product development, while strengthening the company’s position as a global material handling brand with an increasing presence in the European market.
IEO Electric Heavy-Duty Forklift – Platinum Award
The IEO electric heavy-duty forklift received the Platinum Award for its forward-looking approach to industrial design and electric material handling.
The design combines minimalist industrial aesthetics with human-centred ergonomics. Clean, contemporary lines give the forklift a distinctive visual identity, while the intelligent interface has been designed to make key information and controls clear and intuitive for the operator.
Rather than treating design and functionality as separate considerations, IEO integrates them into a single approach. The result is an electric forklift concept focused on efficient operation, intelligent interaction and a more sustainable approach to heavy-duty material handling.
The project demonstrates how industrial design can play a practical role in shaping the next generation of heavy-duty electric forklifts, balancing visual appeal with the demands of real-world operation.
Amo Multifunctional Intelligent Control Module – Silver Award
The Amo multifunctional intelligent control module was recognised with a Silver Award for its user-focused and modular approach.
Developed around the needs of forklift operators, Amo brings frequently used controls together in a carefully arranged interface designed to improve accessibility and ease of operation.
The integrated control layout makes more efficient use of the available cabin space while reducing unnecessary movement during operation. By combining multiple functions within a compact modular system, Amo contributes to a more organised, intuitive and comfortable operator environment.
Its development reflects HELI’s focus on applying human-centred design principles to practical forklift controls, where ergonomics and ease of use can have a direct impact on the operator experience.
Evo G Modular Forklift Cab – Bronze Award
The Evo G modular forklift cab received a Bronze Award for its approach to upgrading the operator experience within an established product platform.
Rather than developing an entirely new architecture, the project focuses on optimising an existing high-end internal combustion forklift platform through modular design and targeted improvements.
The cab has been designed around operator comfort, safety and usability, creating a more refined working environment while maintaining the flexibility of a modular platform.
This approach demonstrates how established forklift platforms can continue to evolve through thoughtful industrial design, allowing manufacturers to improve the operator experience while responding to changing customer expectations.
Design Innovation Across Material Handling
Recognition across three award levels reflects the breadth of HELI’s approach to product design and development.
From a heavy-duty electric forklift to intelligent control technology and modular cab design, the three projects address different aspects of modern material handling — from machine architecture and operator interaction to comfort and usability.
For HELI, design is not limited to a forklift’s appearance. It is increasingly connected to how equipment performs, how operators interact with it and how effectively it meets the requirements of modern industrial environments.
The recognition from the A’ Design Award & Competition provides further international recognition of HELI’s investment in research, development and user-centred design.
As material handling continues to evolve, HELI will continue to develop forklift and industrial equipment solutions that combine contemporary design, engineering capability and practical value — supporting the changing needs of customers across global markets.