This year, the Fabacademy enabled the creation of two inventions: an interactive social communication device and an economical bioreactor for microalgae. These tools were developed to meet specific needs and promote technological innovation.
Since 2019, AgriLab, UniLaSalle's FabLab has been taking part in Fabacademy, an intensive training course on rapid prototyping that runs over a six-month period. The program aims to teach participants how to "make almost anything" using a distributed, collaborative learning method.
Under the careful supervision of several instructors, the three Fabacademy students have access to AgriLab's equipment, including 3D printing, milling, welding, programming (C++, HTML, JavaScript, MicroPython, Rust and Artificial Intelligence), as well as vinyl cutting.
Each week, participants connect to a global network via an online campus, joining around 250 students in 70 FabLabs around the world. This year, two projects came to fruition during the 20-week course:
- The "Devrais-tu-me-parler-omètre", by Alexis Lepage
Alexis Lepage, an occupational therapist in continuing education, has developed a device designed to facilitate social interaction. Similar to a stimulating toy, this tool allows users to share their state of mind and level of sociability via rotary encoders and toggle switches. Information is displayed intuitively, using emojis for universal communication. This project, made possible thanks to AgriLab's facilities, aims to improve the quality of life of people with social interaction disorders.
- Phototrophic bioreactor for microalgae, by Pol-Emile Briot
Pol-Émile Briot, a 5ᵉ year student on the Beauvais campus, has developed a bioreactor for the experimental cultivation of microalgae. Using tubular reactors fed by a nutrient solution and controlled by CO2 diffusers and LEDs for light, this device enables efficient cultivation at lower cost. Pol-Émile's objective is to make this technology accessible, aiming to significantly reduce costs compared with existing commercial solutions, while maintaining high performance.
These Fabacademy achievements demonstrate UniLaSalle's and AgriLab's commitment to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship among students, not only by providing the necessary technical knowledge, but also by encouraging creativity and problem-solving through concrete projects. These initiatives promise to evolve current technological standards while responding to contemporary challenges in a sustainable and efficient way.
Discover both projects on the AgriLab website
