Biography:

Luc has lived many lives: he started his career in offshore exploration; followed by a GM position in the food industry, and a shifting 16 years in offshore racing both as Jean-Pierre Dick-Absolute Dreamer Team Manager (where they won 4 Transat Jacques Vabre et 2 Barcelona World Race) and Imoca Class President. After his experience on the legendary Vendée Globe races, Luc is moved by the desire to innovate and the belief that AFP robots can add value to hydrofoil manufacturing. Tests are immediately validated; Luc creates Avel Robotics in 2017 with Adrien Marchandise as Technical Director. 8 years later, the company – 35 people– has become the leading manufacturer for Imoca foils, and keeps breaking technical boundaries through a sustainability perspective: Avel just demonstrated the world-first thermoplastic foils and is developing new-generation sustainable aircraft structures (Aura Aero 19-seater).

About Avel Robotics: 

Avel is a high-performance composite parts manufacturer, focused on eco-performance. Avel is at the forefront of innovation regarding composites. Avel is the only AFP part manufacturer in France, 100% independent with serial production capabilities. Avel produces parts for marine, aerospace, defense and space players. Avel has helped companies such as Pilatus, Ariane Group, Airbus, defense companies (...) to automatize their manufacturing processes, and produce parts using AFP technology (thermoset or thermoplastics). Avel offers consulting and industrialization support on topics such as AFP design, SHM, material characterization... Avel owns 3 AFP robots, a 2000m2 facility with a large autoclave, oven, CNC and assembly workshop. We are located in the Lorient Composites Valley, which is an incredible composites ecosystem.