IFOY Audit
Finalists undergo the three-stage IFOY Audit as part of the IFOY Audit, which takes place during the TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS. This consists of the scientific IFOY Innovation Check, the IFOY Test and the jury test.
Forklift trucks for people of short stature
STILL
STILL’s custom-built RX 60-50/600 electric forklift truck is a demonstration of the achievements possible through customer focus and workplace inclusion: The vehicle enables an employee of short stature at Voß Edelstahlhandel to work safely and independently without limitations, fully integrating him into the team and everyday working life. Thanks to its electrically adjustable base plate, the forklift can also be used by other employees, making it a sustainable and economical solution.
Product name and company
Forklift trucks for people of short stature – STILL
Category
Counter Balanced Truck
Description
The solution is an impressive example of customer-focused development — and currently unique on the German counterbalance forklift market. Two years of development went into the vehicle, which was developed and manufactured by STILL in collaboration with Barrus Engineering for Voß Edelstahlhandel, with the aim of enabling sustainable and economical integration into everyday working life. The forklift truck has been in use since September 2024.
At the heart of the vehicle is the electrically adjustable floor plate. It can be adjusted vertically and horizontally with millimetre precision, enabling the driver’s seat to be tailored precisely to the body measurements of a short-statured employee. In addition, the fold-down backrest provides additional support for the driver’s back despite his shorter thighs. Combined with the individually adjustable entry step, additional handholds and hydraulic fork adjustment, this enables the driver to operate the vehicle independently and safely, with no limitations on loads of up to 5 tonnes. He has a clear view and direct access to all controls, giving him full control of the vehicle. Whereas he could previously only perform lighter tasks and was dependent on assistance, he can now significantly expand his field of activity, feeling safe and fully integrated.
At the touch of a button, the vehicle can be adjusted to standard size and thus used by all employees – an important criterion for sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
Innovations
There is currently no comparable solution for forklift trucks on the German market. Previous applications involving pedal extensions fail to offer a comparable level of accuracy, unrestricted visibility, safe vehicle control or occupational safety. Through this project, STILL, in collaboration with Barrus Engineering and Voß Edelstahlhandel, is offering a smart solution for sustainable and effective inclusion: designed around the needs of the customer and with a clear focus on intelligent, everyday-use solutions.
The employee concerned was closely involved in the development process from the outset, acting as a model for the dimensions and taking part in numerous tests. STILL enlisted the help of Barrus Engineering, a special design manufacturer, for the technical implementation. The limited space in the driver’s compartment, in addition to the high safety requirements, posed a particular challenge. Among other things, the chassis under the seat was modified, a linkage was created, the hydraulic block was moved under the floor panel, the pedals were decoupled from the floor panel, and the dashboard was modified. To ensure maximum safety and precise positioning, the base plate is fitted with intelligent sensors for position monitoring. Thanks to the reliable linear drive and the use of high-quality, lubrication-free brass guides, the complex construction requires no maintenance.
Market relevance
Inclusion in the workplace is a highly relevant issue. Smart solutions such as the custom-built STILL RX60-50/600 enable inclusion to be tailored to individual needs in a solution-oriented manner, break down barriers, promote tolerance and set examples. With comparatively little effort and a production time of just a few weeks, the concept can be adapted for other individuals and all STILL RX 60 models – under certain conditions, even existing RX 60 forklift trucks. Last but not least, the pilot project is a valuable reference for securing subsidies for inclusion solutions. After all, the Hamburg Integration Office covered all costs for inclusion-related modifications.
Against the backdrop of the ongoing labour shortage, concepts that provide motivated workers with attractive access to the labour market despite their disabilities are valuable and forward-looking. Specifically, in the case of the inclusion of people of short stature, the potential target group is large, so the project also has an economic dimension. After all, roughly one hundred thousand people of short stature live in Germany alone.
Last but not least, the project is highly relevant to the sustainability of intralogistics. It helps to retain employees and enables the flexible vehicle use. The adjustable floor plate and the possibility of retrofitting existing vehicles are particularly relevant aspects here.
Customer benefits
The customised design of the RX 60-50/600 enables the full inclusion of employees of short stature in the workplace. In addition to social responsibility, increased employee loyalty and satisfaction, and high occupational safety, this has a clear economic benefit for the customer: employees who were previously limited in their scope of work and dependent on assistance can now take on a wider range of tasks in the warehouse, move materials on various load carriers and up to a tonnage of 5 tonnes, and work completely independently – a valuable benefit given the labour shortage and high cost pressure in many companies.
In addition, the forklift truck’s flexible usability not only increases its cost-effectiveness but is also an important sustainability factor. There is no need to purchase and operate an ‘extra’ vehicle, as the inclusive solution is a fully-fledged part of the vehicle fleet.
Last but not least, the customer benefits financially from this solution: following an approval process, the costs of all custom-made inclusion-related products were covered by the Hamburg Integration Office.
Other information
| This is a | Vollständig neues Modell |
| Date of market launch | |
| Competitive products | k. A. |
| Special equipment IFOY test device | The IFOY test device is a variant of the STILL RX 60-50/600 series vehicle. Its centerpiece is the electrically adjustable floor panel of the driver’s platform. It is complemented by the customized access step, a fold-down backrest cushion, additional grab handles and hydraulic fork adjustment (STILL standard option). Other optional equipment features of the vehicle on display include
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Technical data
| Drive type | Elektro |
| Lifting weight max. | 4990 kg |
| Truck weight | 8119 kg |
| Driving speed without load | 20 km/h |
| Lifting speed without load | 0,45 m/s |
| Lifting height max. | 4280 mm |
Test report
The introduction of the STILL RX 60-50/600 for people of small stature marks a significant development in intralogistics: the combination of technological innovation and social inclusion. The modified electric forklift was developed by STILL in cooperation with Barrus Engineering for Voß Edelstahlhandel, with the aim of enabling a small-statured employee to perform fully and independently in daily warehouse operations.
At the core of the solution is an electrically adjustable footplate that can be easily and precisely adjusted both vertically and horizontally at the same time. With a simple push of a button on the control panel on the A-pillar, the desired height of the footplate and the correct pedal depth are set. To achieve this, modifications were also made under the hood compared to the standard RX 60-50/600. The brake unit was decoupled from the chassis to enable pedal adjustability. In addition, the valve block was relocated under the footplate. An additional fold-down backrest provides sufficient support for the driver’s back. Furthermore, an additional handle and an extra step were installed, which also significantly facilitate entry for average-height drivers. The steel mudguards are equipped with an additional anti-slip surface, allowing the driver to step down safely.
These adaptations create an ergonomically well-designed workplace that makes work significantly safer and more comfortable for drivers of small stature. While previously the left leg hung freely and the right leg hovered above the pedals, the driver now has both feet on the floor plate, improving blood circulation. Thanks to the higher footplate and more accessible pedals, smaller drivers can also work normally and move freely.
To ensure maximum safety and precise positioning, the base plate is equipped with intelligent sensors for position monitoring. A reliable linear drive and the use of high-quality, maintenance-free brass guides make the complex design maintenance-free.
As a result of the modifications under the hood, the installation of the larger battery tray (930 Ah) is no longer possible, and this model is therefore currently available exclusively with a 775 Ah battery.
An important aspect is flexibility in use. At the push of a button, the footplate can be reset to standard dimensions, ensuring that the forklift can continue to be used by other employees.
IFOY Test verdict
This specially adapted STILL RX 60-50/600 for people of short stature is an example of how customer-driven engineering can contribute to both efficiency and inclusion. Thanks to this customized forklift, employees of short stature can work safely and comfortably without limitations. With the push of a button, the truck can be reset to standard dimensions and thus used by all employees.
IFOY Innovation Check
Functionality / Type of implementation
With its custom-built RX 60-50/600, STILL presents an exemplary solution that combines inclusion and technical precision in the heavy-duty sector. The foundation is a proven electric forklift that has been adapted through targeted modifications to enable unrestricted use by people of short stature. At the heart of the design is an electrically adjustable base plate that moves both horizontally and vertically simultaneously to perfectly align the pedals and seating position with the body dimensions of a driver of short stature. Ergonomics are enhanced by additional handrails, an adapted entry step, and a fold-down backrest. Despite the extensive customization, the 5-ton forklift retains its full functionality with unobstructed all-around visibility for operators of various heights.
Novelty / Innovation
The innovation of this solution lies in the intelligent coupling of the base plate with the pedals and the resulting flexibility. It is unique on the German market for front-loading forklifts, as previous approaches were mostly based on simple pedal extensions that did not guarantee visibility, comfort, or safety to this extent. Technically, the use of a maintenance-free linear drive and high-quality brass guides that require no lubrication is impressive. Particularly innovative is the ability to reset the vehicle to standard size at the push of a button, ensuring it remains usable for all employees – a highly efficient form of flexible use.
Customer benefit
The customer benefit is exceptional, as the solution enables full integration into daily work routines. An employee who previously relied on assistance can now independently and safely move loads of up to five tons. This not only increases employee satisfaction and retention but also actively helps address the labor shortage. A key economic advantage is that there is no need to purchase a dedicated “special-purpose vehicle” that would be tied up and unavailable to other drivers. Additionally, the pilot project serves as an important reference for applying for funding, which significantly lowers the financial barrier for companies.
Market relevance
Given that there are approximately 100,000 people of short stature in Germany alone, this inclusion solution is relevant to the market. Since the system can generally be retrofitted to all STILL RX 60 models, it opens up a range of applications across a variety of industries. At a time when social responsibility and securing a skilled workforce are key priorities, STILL is setting a future-oriented standard for the entire industry.
IFOY verdict
This custom-built model from STILL is a prime example of inclusion in action through technological excellence. The smart, reversible driver’s seat adjustment is unique in the market and offers outstanding social and economic value.
| Functionality / type of implementation | + |
| Novelty / Innovation | + |
| Customer benefits | ++ |
| Market relevance | + |
| ++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available | |
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Image/video credits: STILL
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Statutes
In den Statuten sind die Grundwerte und die Standards des IFOY AWARD festgelegt, nach denen die Organisation handelt. Dazu gehören unter anderem Gremien, Wahlomodus, Bewertungskriterien sowie der Code of Conduct.
Committees
The International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year has three bodies: Jury, sponsors, and advisory board.