Haulotte Shows Its Drive Confidence Approach and the Obstacle Detection Assist at APEX 2026

At the APEX 2026 show in Maastricht, The Netherlands, last month, Haulotte drew attention with its HA20 E PRO, the latest articulating boom from the PULSEO range, featuring a brand-new innovation unveiled exclusively at the show: the Obstacle Detection Assist (ODA).

The HA20 E PRO illustrated Haulotte’s commitment to providing more than just a machine but rather a complete ecosystem of equipment, services, and digital solutions designed to enhance safety, optimize performance and support customers throughout the equipment lifecycle.

Part of the PULSEO generation of machines, the HA20 E PRO combines diesel-equivalent rough-terrain performance with the benefits of a 100-percent electric solution. Designed for demanding indoor and outdoor applications, it offers excellent maneuverability, up to 40-percent gradeability and enhanced versatility thanks to the Extra Reach option, which increases platform capacity from 250 kg to 350 kg.

The model showcased at APEX also highlighted several of Haulotte’s latest innovations designed to improve safety and operational efficiency, including FASTN, the harness anchorage detection system, Pedestrian Detection Assist to improve jobsite awareness, Advanced Access Management for controlled machine access and operation, and the Transport Handle, designed to support safer and more ergonomic loading and unloading operations.

Haulotte introduced Obstacle Detection Assist (ODA) at APEX 2026, a manufacturer-certified solution designed to minimize collision risks and protect both infrastructure and sensitive environments. ODA focuses on the most exposed area of the machine: the upper structure, where collision risks are highest. Using a network of intelligently positioned ultrasonic sensors, the system continuously scans the surrounding environment to detect any nearby obstacle that could interfere with the machine’s movement.

HA20 E and the Sigma 16 delivers four key benefits:

• Minimized collision risks through continuous environment scanning.
• Enhanced situational awareness with clear visual and audible alerts.  
• Maximum protection for both equipment and surrounding environment, with automatic movement cut-out before impact.
• Improved operational precision in confined or complex environments.

Drive Confidence: helping rental companies

Haulotte highlighted its Drive Confidence approach, a commitment to helping rental companies and industrial operators navigate the growing complexity of their daily operations. In a context where safety requirements, cost control, equipment uptime, and operational efficiency are becoming increasingly critical, Drive Confidence aims to provide customers with greater visibility, confidence, and control over their equipment lifecycle. The four thematic corners and dedicated support area on the booth brought these commitments to life, generating numerous discussions with visitors and highlighting Haulotte's ambition to deliver a comprehensive ecosystem of equipment, services, and safety solutions.

“APEX 2026 confirmed the strong interest of our customers in solutions that improve safety, fleet utilization, and long-term performance,” said Ludivine Beraud, Europe marketing manager, Haulotte. “We had many valuable discussions around innovations such as Obstacle Detection Assist, Pedestrian Detection Assist, and Advanced Access Management, which enables fleet managers to control machine access without compromising operational continuity. This positive momentum reinforces the relevance of our ‘Drive Confidence’ approach and our commitment to supporting customers throughout the entire equipment lifecycle, far beyond the machine.”