EPFL x Rollomatic: Perfect balance between theory and practice

In this article, we examine this perfectly orchestrated “equilibrium of forces”, based on the synergy between practical on-the-ground expertise, and the theory and knowledge of the students involved in the program. In order to get the clearest picture possible, we spoke to people directly involved in the project – Jonathan Rochat, the Rollomatic Innovation Cell Manager, Mathematician and Software Engineer Timothée Pouchon, and, of course, the students.

When we asked Jonathan Rochat why Rollomatic had decided to set up their innovation cell at EPFL, his response was very clear: “The choice was obvious. Our needs mostly focus on math, and the education that students get at EPFL ensures that they have the highest level of expertise in the area. EPFL also provides a range of skills, and is a breeding ground for the sort of talent we need in other fields – particularly IT, robotics, and engineering. Our company is always changing with the times, and we aim to make strides in the fourth industrial revolution. On top of that, EPFL acts as a first point of contact with students who will later join our teams.”

The partnership is a clear win-win at all levels, with the equilibrium of forces and of expertise representing a perfectly successful synergy. “It’s important to understand that the students are genuinely playing a key role in the projects we carry out as part of this partnership. They are working on concrete problems that we’ve run into at our main site in Landeron, Neuchâtel, and that we need to find solutions for. Their knowledge of the theory is of a very high level thanks to the quality of the teaching at EPFL, and this knowledge comes up against real-world challenges, forcing them out of their comfort zone and giving them a chance to show flexibility of thinking by applying theory to practice. It gives them a chance to build on their knowledge of theory, and gives us some outstanding brains to pick as we put it into practice. Although we check in with them on a daily basis, we give them all the leeway they need to develop creativity and go beyond what they currently know, ”added Jonathan Rochat. In order to further enhance this real-world practical experience, Rollomatic arranges weekly team meetings at their site in Landeron so that students can speak directly with the company’s staff and engineers, as well as their daily talks with Jonathan and Timothée at Lausanne. “It gives the students a chance to see the constraints we face, to discuss the practical side of the projects and the software architecture in more depth, and to experience the interpersonal side of the world of business,” concludes Jonathan Rochat.

Expanding their horizons and leaving their comfort zone: What the students think

When we spoke with the students involved in their project, their assessment of what they’d learned from combining their studies with concrete experience painted an interesting picture of personal and professional growth. Axel has been involved with the innovation cell since the start and has recently continued his studies with a PhD program. He picked out “the importance of working on interesting challenges from industry, and of providing practical solutions to genuine and complex problems.”And what could be more practical than solving real-world problems? Axel is able to work directly with the software used to program and manufacture a range of cutting tools, which Rollomatic bundles with its CNC grinding machines. He focuses on solving mathematical equations to reliably calculate the way that the grinding wheels need to move in order to machine a tool exactly in line with the user’s design. “It’s not about finding a ‘perfect’ solution, but rather one that fits the problem. This means that hypotheses are guided by a practical example, which is beneficial for research. On a personal level, I found a ‘non-traditional’ approach for my Math course, and I'm now working toward a doctorate. I take a lot of pride in being able to explain what I'm working on. This encourages research and pushes us, as students, to go above and beyond the academic grounding that EPFL has given us, by combining it with practical skills” explains Axel.

Yann is another student, and is involved with Rollomatic’s Laser department. He is working on an algorithm to analyze 3D geometric objects and meshes in order to automatically generate settings for Rollomatic’s Laser cutting machines. One outcome of Yann's work has been a proposed new version of code to add to Rollomatic’s current range of software solutions. As well as agreeing with Axel’s thoughts, he explains that he enjoys “the opportunity to be proactive thanks to the autonomy that Rollomatic gives us. We can implement all the knowledge we’ve gained at EPFL with almost no limits, since the company has so much faith in us. We’ve had the opportunity to mix theory and practice, we’re encouraged to think flexibly, our horizons have been widened, and our creativity has been fostered. The upshot of all of this is that we feel able to come up with solutions almost out of nowhere.”

R&D – an increasingly crucial link in the chain for innovative companies

The third student we spoke to was Benjamin, whose MA project focused on finding the optimal way to alter the geometric parameters of a given tool in order to turn it into a bespoke tool that meets the user’s specifications. Math was key here as well, since the project called on concepts learned in differential geometry and numerical analysis to produce results that were – once again – of concrete use to the company. Benjamin highlighted the importance of research for modern companies: “I find it very interesting that a company can have a research lab working on developing projects over the long term. As a student, I got the chance to bring in new ideas and work with engineers on innovative projects with long timescales.” These types of projects are often seen as being less “urgent”, but they serve to provide a solid foundation for a company. “And EPFL is the perfect partner for this” concludes Jonathan Rochat.

Based on this hugely positive initial assessment, we have no doubt that there is plenty more to come from the partnership between EPFL and Rollomatic!