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Developed through years of engineering and extensive user research, Control+ rethinks how operators interact with lifting equipment – integrating movement, speed control and ergonomics directly into a redesigned handle.

The result is a lifter that responds naturally to the operator’s movements and working position.

"When we started developing Control+, the ambition was to make the lifter feel like a natural extension of the user," says Søren Schmidt, Development Engineer at Hovmand and part of the development team behind the new product series.

"Instead of forcing operators to adapt to the machine, we designed the machine around the operator."

Rethinking how lifters are controlled

The development of Control+ began with a simple question: how do operators actually work with lifters in real environments?

Since 1995, Hovmand engineers have developed a wide range of handles and control systems for their lifters, customized for various industries and lifting needs. Building on this experience, they set out to create one simple solution to fit all.

To achieve this, they spent years observing users in different environments, studying how they move, where they place their hands, and how working positions change depending on the operator’s physics, task, and workflow.

Those insights led to a completely redesigned handle interface where key functions are placed directly at the operator’s fingertips.

"We spent a lot of time studying how people actually use the lifter in daily work — different heights, positions, and ways of working," says Søren Schmidt.

"That insight shaped the design of the handle and the placement of the controls."

“By designing with the user in mind and how they operate, we found the one solution that fits all users and the diverse needs and workflows, we know are important for the industries we serve.”

A well-tested ergonomic design for ergonomic lifting

With the ambition to fully unlock the potential of the Control+ solution, Hovmand engaged an experienced design agency to challenge and refine every aspect.

Through close collaboration between Hovmand engineers, customer relations, and the designers from HarritSorensen, insights into the interface, user interactions, safety requirements, and new technologies were continuously integrated and tested to achieve the most intuitive and simple solution:

“Control+ is a user-centric design at its core. Extensive functionality, safety requirements, and workflow needs have been carefully integrated into one intuitive solution. The result is a seamless user experience, featuring ergonomic controls and a grip tailored to every user. True to the ergonomic standards Hovmand is known for,” says Thomas Harrit, Designer and Partner at HarritSorensen design agency.

Movement and speed in one motion

With Control+, operators can both move the lifter and adjust speed through a single paddle-based control.

The further the paddle is pushed, the faster the lifter moves – allowing precise movements when positioning loads.

This approach removes the need for separate controls, and it allows the operator to focus on the task rather than the machine.

"Integrating the key functions directly into the handle creates a very intuitive experience," Development Engineer at Hovmand, Søren Schmidt explains.

"You don’t have to think about operating the lifter. It simply responds to your movement."

New technology behind the control

The Control+ platform also introduces updated motor control technology that significantly improves the precision of the lifter tool motion when positioning loads for lifting or turning.

The lifter also features a redesigned battery system with state-of-the-art battery technology and easy battery swapping, available in both lead and lithium battery packs.

Essential features that enhance efficiency in daily operations, where reliability is critical.

Find more information here.

Years of curiosity have shaped the perfect handle for every user.

For Søren Hovmand, CEO of Hovmand, Control+ represents one of the most significant product developments in the company’s history.

“We have invested a lot of time over the years in being curious about the users’ interactions with our lifters and control interface,” he says.

"Control+ is not just a design update. It represents a fundamental rethink of how operators interact with lifting equipment. The goal has been to make the lifter feel like a natural extension of the user – and that changes the entire experience of working with the machine."

“The result is a lifter designed around the user, making everyday work simpler, easier, and more intuitive.” 

Revealed at LogiMAT
Control+ will be officially revealed and demonstrated at LogiMAT, March 24-26, 2026, in Stuttgart, where visitors can experience the new product series and its intuitive control system at the Hovmand stand (Hall 7, F39).