When Ixolift set out to develop a new electric lifting solution for the installation and servicing of servers in data centers, Svekon was entrusted with the product development. Through close collaboration with the manufacturer, a safe, ergonomic, and production-optimized solution was developed, enabling the handling of servers weighing up to 250 kg.
From Need to Finished Product
Data centers contain heavy and sensitive equipment that often needs to be installed or replaced in confined server racks. Manual handling poses both occupational safety risks and the risk of damaging expensive equipment.
Ixolift had a clear vision for an electric lifting solution that would make the work safer and more ergonomic. Svekon was responsible for turning the idea into a finished product through mechanical design, component selection, design for manufacturing, and the development of safety features.
“The challenge was to combine a high lifting capacity with a very low profile, while creating a safe and ergonomic product that works in confined data center environments.”
– Mårten Andrén, Industrial Designer, Svekon
Developed for Real-World Working Environments
One of the main technical challenges was to create a design with a very low profile while ensuring that the lift could reach the required height, remain stable under load, and provide the operator with full access to the server rack, even in confined spaces.
The design was optimized to:
- lift servers weighing up to 250 kg
- provide easy access in confined data center environments
- minimize the risk of pinch injuries
- provide good ergonomics for users of different heights
- enable safe operation
To meet these requirements, the following design choices were made:
- Corners were cut away from the sheet metal structure surrounding the mechanism to make the lift easier to maneuver in confined spaces
- The wall between the lifting mechanism and the control panel features an open grid design, providing full visibility and enabling safe navigation without collisions
- Long vertical handles were positioned along the sides, allowing users of different heights to maneuver the lift comfortably
- A wide foot brake allows the operator to engage the brake while wearing safety footwear and simultaneously maneuver the lift with both hands
- The lift was equipped with an easily accessible emergency stop button on the control panel
Designed for Efficient Production
Alongside the product development, the design and engineering were adapted for series production. The sheet metal construction, component selection, and manufacturing methods were chosen and optimized to ensure that the data lift could be produced efficiently and safely at the manufacturer’s existing facility. The development therefore took place in close collaboration with the manufacturer, reducing production complexity while ensuring quality and functionality throughout the development process.
“Collaborating with Svekon has been incredibly rewarding. We have worked with highly professional and genuinely dedicated people who have taken the time to truly understand both our challenges and those of the end users. They have not only contributed their expertise but have also become a natural part of our product development team.”
– Johan Friis, CEO, Ixolift
A Complete Development Partner
The project demonstrates how Svekon combines industrial design, mechanical engineering, product development, and industrialization within a cohesive development process.
The result was a robust and user-friendly electric server lift that is used today for the safe installation and servicing of servers in modern data centers.
Svekon was later commissioned to update and adapt the documentation and safety features to prepare the product for the U.S. market and ensure compliance with applicable requirements.
