Alan Loncle wins gold at FANUC Olympics

Snef work-study student Alan Loncle wins the prestigious FANUC Olympics. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at a victory that has made his teams proud.

Alan Loncle, a work-study student at Agence Snef (Industrie Bretagne), won gold at the prestigious FANUC Olympics. We spoke with him to learn more about his background, his responsibilities at Snef, and the story behind this victory, which is a source of pride for his teams.

A clear path to expertise

Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Industrial Digitalization, Alan joined Snef to put his studies in automation into practice. After initially working in industrial maintenance, he joined our Snef Industrie Bretagne branch (01/88) because of the technical nature of its projects.

“I joined Snef because it’s an environment much more focused on automation and development, which aligns with my career goals,” he explains. This environment allows him to be involved in a project from start to finish, from gathering client requirements to on-site commissioning.

At the same time, Alan is also a volunteer firefighter. This demanding commitment fuels his daily professional life. “It has taught me discipline, stress management, and teamwork—qualities that serve me every day in the industrial sector,” he says.

The FANUC Olympics

Armed with the skills he acquired at the agency and driven by a genuine passion for robotics, Alan embarked on the FANUC Olympiads adventure. This premier national competition brings together the best industrial robotics students to tackle complex technical challenges that require precision and speed.

“I’ve always loved a challenge; this was an opportunity to measure myself against other enthusiasts and improve my technical skills.”

The challenge was daunting: based on a set of specifications, the candidates had to design a complete automation solution, ranging from digital simulation to the actual control of an industrial robot.

It was the technical merit of their preliminary design and the fluidity of their programming that allowed Alan and his teammates, Louis and Damien, to stand out before the FANUC panel of experts.

The outcome was well worth the effort: a well-deserved first place.

Snef
It's a great source of technical satisfaction, but what I'll remember most of all is the work put in beforehand and the team experience. Competition demands a great deal of rigor and stress management, and in that respect, my commitment as a firefighter came in handy.
Alan Loncle
Work-study student with Agence Industrie Bretagne

This victory isn’t just that of a student; it’s also a testament to his successful integration into the agency. Nathan Burban, Project Manager, was keen to highlight Alan’s growth and the value his skills bring to Snef:

“Beyond his assigned tasks, Alan brings real added value thanks to his fresh perspective, which allows us to question our habits and identify new avenues for improvement. His expertise in 3D printing is also a valuable asset for the agency: it enables us to respond quickly in the field by allowing us to rapidly prototype and test concrete solutions. Finally, his interest in robotics and emerging technologies fosters a culture of innovation, encouraging the development of new cross-functional projects within the team.”

Building on this experience, Alan hopes to continue developing his skills in automation and robotics after graduation. For future work-study students who, like him, would like to take on such challenges, he has just one piece of advice:

“Be curious and proactive; don’t be afraid of challenges. Invest yourself fully in projects and, above all, step outside your comfort zone. Opportunities like the Olympiads don’t come along every day. You have to seize them!”

The entire Agence Industrie Bretagne, along with our Snef teams, warmly congratulate Alan on this title, which perfectly illustrates the expertise of our technical teams.