The prototyping facility at l'X is a key contributor to the development of our startup. Obviously, we couldn’t have produced our first models without a large-scale 3D printer. But the experience of other users was also invaluable in helping us improve the design and manufacture of our boards. In fact, we’re now working on a second model, partly inspired by the Fab Managers who have a thorough knowledge of the machines, techniques and materials we can use.

Being able to produce a prototype is critical for any company with a hardware component. Without it, you would end up spending your time hunting down resources in various places. Here, we are lucky enough to be able to do everything in a single location and we really have all the materials we need for a first prototype.

The Ecole Polytechnique FabLab isn’t just a fablab, we also have a connection with the laboratories. It’s a place for research where startups can meet amongst themselves and also with companies who are onsite, like Valeo.

The FabLab mentors really helped us implement our project. They first suggested a topic and then they also put us in contact with a researcher from INRIA and an expert in soft robotics. Before we used the FabLab, we had to undergo formal training, so that we could improve every stage of the design and production process: modeling, using a cutter, setting up the 3D printer. The FabLab’s key strength isn’t just the equipment, it’s also the fact that it can adapt to our project.