Kalmar/Cargotech

The EGO CAB is built on a modular structure to fit all the requirements throughout Kalmar’s complete range of counterweight trucks. This project was a real challenge but we believe what we now hear ”that it is probably the best cab on the market within this field”. We were fortunate to work in close collaboration with ambitious, structured, open-minded, intelligent, innovative and creative people from Kalmar as well as other sub-contractors. We are still amazed about the thoroughness in not compromising at any time. The common goal was very clear, no arbitrary out of context solutions. In the end we can now say that we were probably involved in defining every possible cubic millimetre, sketching, building mock-ups and prototypes down to interfaces and surface modelling.

The EGO CAB provides best possible visibility, an extremely important functional aspect in safe and efficient cargo handling within often complex manoeuvring environments. This was achieved by analysing the shape and structural demands on all pillars A-B-C. One of the challenges was to fit the actual needed space envelope adequately and comfortably inside, since inner dimensions were determined by exterior parts such as lift-booms, hoods, tilt-cylinders, etc, all located differently depending on truck model. Nevertheless, of course the complete drivers environment can rotate within the cab, including both floor and pedals.

One size fits all: To fit all people around the world several user studies were conducted, analysed and revised. To meet all the different needs, flexibility was incorporated through several possible adjustments of the drivers’ environment.

A great effort was spent on designing an ergonomic, intuitive and user friendly HMI (Human Machine Interface) for all possible applications across the product range. Several mock-ups and prototypes were built and field-tested both by end users and cognitive ergonomic specialists.