Ieo
Electric Heavyduty Forklift for Heli Forschungs- und Entwicklungszentrum Europe GmbH
Ieo reimagines heavy logistics by combining zero emission power with human centered intelligence. Its fast charging battery enables up to 10 hours of operation from one hour of charging, achieving 40 percent higher efficiency than diesel alternatives. A 180 degree rotating seat, AR assisted 360 degree visibility, and voice control create an intuitive user experience. Adaptive counterweights and modular forks enhance safety, stability, and versatility. Built with recyclable materials and a modular lifecycle design, Ieo evolves into a smart partner for a sustainable logistics future.
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Ieo by Jing Zhao
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Electric Heavyduty Forklift by Jing Zhao
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Jing Zhao Ieo
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Jing Zhao Electric Heavyduty Forklift
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Heli Forschungs und Entwicklungszentrum Europe GmbHBrand Logo
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Unique Properties
IEO redefines heavy logistics with zero-emission power and human-centered intelligence. Its fast-charging battery provides 10 hours of operation after one hour of charging-40% more efficient than diesel. A 180° rotating seat, AR-assisted 360° vision, and voice control enable intuitive operation. Adaptive counterweights and modular forks improve safety and versatility. Built with recyclable materials and a modular lifespan design, IEO evolves from machine to smart partner for a greener future.
Tags
Heavy-duty forklift, electric forklift, AI-Assisted Vision, 180 rotatable seat, Truck, Sustainable Industrial Design, Ergonomic Design
Production Technology
High-capacity zero-emission electric drivetrain engineered for ultra-heavy load applications. Fast-charging lithium-ion battery system: 1-hour rapid charge enabling up to 10 hours of continuous operation, delivering 40% higher energy efficiency than conventional diesel systems. 180° rotating ergonomic seat integrated with AR-assisted 360° surround vision and AI-driven predictive safety monitoring. Voice-activated digital cockpit featuring HUD interface and intelligent navigation architecture. Modular fork configuration with adaptive counterweight system for optimized load stability and operational flexibility. Advanced ergonomic engineering to minimize operator fatigue and enhance handling precision.
Design Challenge
The primary challenge was resolving the endurance–load paradox: delivering zero-emission electric power at a 55-ton capacity while maintaining structural integrity, stability, safety compliance, and operational efficiency in extreme port environments. A second challenge was balancing industrial robustness with automotive-level comfort and intelligent interaction. Introducing AI vision, AR navigation, and a car-like cockpit had to enhance usability without increasing system complexity or disrupting operator familiarity. Integrating heavy-duty engineering, modular architecture, and digital intelligence into a scalable, production-ready platform required extensive cross-disciplinary validation, cost control, and lifecycle optimization.
Project Duration
The project started in May 2025 in Germany and will finish in May 2027.
Operation Flow
Smart evolution transforms operation into intelligent orchestration. AI-powered vision and AR navigation optimize workflow awareness, reduce blind spots, and increase operational safety by 60%. Real-time data visualization streamlines decision-making and minimizes process latency. Human–Machine synergy redefines interaction. A car-like cockpit layout, intuitive controls, and adaptive feedback systems reduce learning time by 50%, enabling seamless control logic, faster task execution, and a smoother transition from traditional operation to intelligent collaboration.
Research
Research Background: Heavy-duty forklifts face three critical challenges: high emissions, operator fatigue, and limited safety systems. As global ports move toward carbon neutrality, there is increasing demand for electrified, intelligent equipment that balances ultra-heavy load capacity with endurance, comfort, and sustainability. Methods: Field observations in port operations, in-depth operator interviews, ergonomic studies, and competitive benchmarking were conducted. Engineering feasibility studies and sustainability lifecycle assessments guided concept validation. Tools: Anthropometric data analysis, digital cockpit simulation, AR vision testing, CAD/CAE structural modeling, battery performance modeling, and lifecycle carbon assessment tools supported development. Participants: Forklift operators, logistics managers, safety engineers, R&D engineers, and industrial designers across European and Asian markets. Results and Insights: Research revealed that comfort, intuitive interaction, and zero-emission performance are as critical as load capacity. Integrating lithium electrification, AI-assisted vision, modular systems, and automotive-level ergonomics significantly improves safety (+60%), reduces learning time (–50%), enhances efficiency, and establishes a new paradigm: from heavy machine to intelligent industrial partner.
Inspiration
I work in the cab 8 hours a day, I need comfort, efficiency, and safety, said a swedish forklift driver. High emissions, limited comfort, and inadequate safety systems are the top three pain points. IEO550-700 responds with zero-emission power and human-centered intelligence. Guided by gravity intelligence, it merges mechanical strength with technological lightness, elevating the operator from driver to system conductor through an immersive digital cockpit and adaptive control.
Image Credits
Heli Forschungs- und Entwicklungszentrum Europe GmbH
Project Overview
Ieo Electric Heavyduty Forklift has been a Platinum winner in the Heavy Machinery Design award category in the year 2025 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Platinum A' Design Award is recognized for honoring designs that stand at the forefront of creativity and innovation. It is the highest accolade bestowed by the A' Design Awards, acknowledging works that blend remarkable innovation with impactful societal contributions. These designs not only showcase exceptional artistic and technical proficiency but also highlight their creators' commitment to advancing the boundaries of art, science, design, and technology. Recipients of this award are celebrated for their role in shaping the aesthetics and trends of our time, contributing significantly to the enhancement of quality of life and promoting sustainable development.
Platinum Recognition
Jing Zhao was recognized with the coveted Platinum A' Design Award in 2026, a testament to excellence of their work Ieo Electric Heavyduty Forklift.
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