STILL nominated for IFOY Award 2026
Converted RX 60-50/600 sets new standards in terms of inclusion
With its customised electric forklift truck, intralogistics specialist STILL is setting new standards for inclusive working practices in the field of intralogistics. The company is once again demonstrating that successful, forward-looking solutions do not necessarily have to be suitable for mass production. This bespoke, sustainable solution for a short-statured employee shows how a consistent customer focus and smart solutions can create equal opportunities in the workplace. STILL's innovative conversion concept has now been nominated as a finalist for the prestigious IFOY Award in the ‘Special Vehicle’ category. Whether this extraordinary project will win the coveted trophy will be decided by the jury at the IFOY Test Days on 15 and 16 April at Dortmund's Westfalenhalle, where all the finalists will be put through their paces.
The STILL RX 60-50/600 electric forklift truck, which has been nominated for the 2026 IFOY Award, was specially adapted for an employee of small stature at Voß Edelstahlhandel, and is the only one of its kind on the German market. “Standard modifications to industrial trucks available on the market with pedal extensions cannot guarantee safe vehicle control or comprehensive occupational safety,” explains André Sievers, a sales consultant at the STILL branch in Hamburg. “These cannot be used to operate a fast and powerful front loader safely.” Voß Edelstahlhandel was aware of this issue as a warehouse worker of short stature had been part of the team for over four years but could only be assigned to limited tasks until now. In order to fully integrate and empower this employee, the company turned to STILL, the Hamburg-based intralogistics specialist.
Guiding principle: Maximum customer focus
The vehicle took two years to develop and manufacture, in collaboration with Barrus Engineering and in close consultation with the customer. The employee concerned was closely involved in the development process from the outset, providing the basis for the dimensions and participating in numerous tests. "A strong focus on the specific needs of the customer is the key to successful innovations that are convincing in practice and sustainable," emphasises Dr Florian Heydenreich, Executive Vice President Sales & Service at STILL.
At the heart of the converted STILL forklift is the electrically adjustable base plate, which can be adjusted with millimetre precision to adapt the driver's workplace in terms of both height and distance. This is complemented by an individually modified entry step, a fold-down backrest and additional handholds. This complex, bespoke design provides optimum ergonomics, a clear view and comfortable operation for the employee, and is also completely maintenance-free.
Smart technology that benefits everyone
This solution offers clear advantages for the customer: Previously limited in his scope of work and dependent on assistance, the employee can now take on a wider range of tasks in the warehouse and work independently. This is a valuable benefit, given the labour shortage and high cost pressures faced by many companies. At the same time, despite the individual, tailor-made modifications, the forklift truck remains fully available for use in the fleet. At the touch of a button, the driver's workplace can be reset to standard size and used by all employees. This eliminates the need to purchase an additional specialised vehicle, offering clear advantages in terms of resource consumption, costs, and fleet efficiency. This flexibility and cost-effectiveness make the solution developed by STILL a practical example of sustainable intralogistics.
Nominated for excellence in intralogistics
The Hamburg-based company received a nomination for the IFOY Award 2026 in the ‘Special Vehicle’ category in recognition of this. "With the bespoke RX 60-50/600, STILL shows that a strong customer focus and efficient solutions are the foundation of genuine inclusion and sustainability, without compromising on safety, efficiency or economy," says André Sievers, explaining this year's IFOY application by the specialist provider of innovative intralogistics solutions. Despite its bespoke design, the forward-thinking conversion concept can be transferred to other employees and applied to all STILL RX 60 models. Under certain conditions, it can even be integrated into existing vehicles.
This concept sends a strong signal to the entire industry, showing how people with physical limitations can access the labour market more easily. André Sievers sums up: "This nomination as an IFOY finalist recognises this pioneering achievement, demonstrating how customer-focused innovations can make intralogistics more diverse, sustainable, and future-proof."
Next step in the IFOY competition
The next stage of the international competition is the three-part IFOY audit, comprising the IFOY test, a scientific innovation check and a jury evaluation. Selected trade journalists from 19 countries will put the finalists through their paces. In 2026, the IFOY Test Days will be held at Dortmund's Westfalenhalle to mark the 100th anniversary of the legendary sports and concert arena. Whether STILL will receive the coveted award once again will be revealed on 25 June 2026 at the IFOY Award Night in Stuttgart.
About the IFOY Award
The IFOY Award (International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year Award) is one of the most prestigious awards in the intralogistics industry. It is presented annually to recognise outstanding innovations and achievements. Winners are selected by an international jury of experts consisting of leading logistics journalists, who evaluate entries based on transparent and independent criteria. The IFOY Award aims to showcase the industry's innovative strength and performance, thereby strengthening its competitiveness and public image. The award is sponsored by trade associations for material handling, intralogistics, robotics, and automation within the VDMA (German Engineering Federation). The patron is the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs.
