Building the robotic systems of the future, together

IRELEC, an ALCEN company, specializes in precision robotic systems that push back the frontiers of scientific research and make industrial processes more efficient. The company designs, engineers, and builds high-precision and automated equipment, backed by its own advanced, user-friendly software. Customers include synchrotron beamlines, biobanks, and industrial and manufacturing companies.

At IRELEC, the focus is not only on building precision systems, but also on supporting cutting-edge scientific research and shaping the factories of the future. A commitment to excellence, exemplary teamwork, and a passion for technology distinguish the company.

1985

IRELEC founded in the Grenoble, France area to serve the electron beam irradiation technology market.

1990

Irelec develops additional expertise in precision mechanics, ultra-high-vacuum technology and cryogenics plus rigorous processes to meet the risk-management requirements of demanding projects for Big Science, thanks to close relationships with major major research organizations French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL), and the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS).

1992

IRELEC designs and manufactures the first mirror systems for synchrotron beamlines at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, marking the start of a long and fruitful collaboration with ESRF experts. Irelec’s work with ESRF positioned the company as a reliable long-term partner for high-performance components and systems for the global synchrotron community from Stanford to Pohang.

1995

IRELEC is acquired by ALCEN.

2000

IRELEC develops a significant activity overseas (Europe, Americas & Asia).

2007

IRELEC expands robotic systems for synchrotron beamline experimental stations, supplying the Swiss Light Source with a robotic sample changer for its protein crystallography beamlines.

2010

IRELEC manufactures on-demand opto-mechanical systems and instrumentation for new-generation light sources (Petra III, NLSL II, APS-U, MAX IV, and European XFEL).

2017

Less than a decade after it was introduced, IRELEC’s sample changer is the international synchrotron community’s solution of choice.

2018

IRELEC enters the Biobanks market, supplying its first fully-automated solution for cryogenic biobanks.

2021

IRELEC starts the development of high precision robotics for Industry 4.0

2023

IRELEC expands single crystal diffractometers for macromolecular crystallography beamlines at Synchrotron, proposing a comprehensive, fully integrated solution for MX end-stations

Technology-driven, people-focused

Since 1985, IRELEC has evolved in size, scope, and expertise while maintaining a strong focus on its people. Teamwork, approachability, and collaboration are the hallmarks of IRELEC’s culture.

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IRELEC feels like a small company with the reassurance of a larger parent company behind it. Our strong team spirit fuels my motivation to invest in myself and progress every day, to ultimately succeed as a team.

Sophie

Accountant

The work atmosphere here is priceless for me. As a designer, seeing the results of our teamwork and installing machines worldwide is incredibly satisfying.

Denis

Production Manager

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Diverse experiences and skills for a well-rounded team

IRELEC’s projects are varied. The company designs and builds mirror and mirror bender systems for synchrotrons, and develops precision quality-control robots for manufacturing companies.

A multidisciplinary team addresses all customer needs, from project management to on-site commissioning and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations), with expertise in:

  • Mechanical engineering
  • Robotics engineering
  • Cryogenics
  • Ultra-high vacuum
  • X-ray optics
  • Software development
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My work at IRELEC enabled me to become more meticulous and rigorous. It introduced me to a totally unknown and fascinating world.

Rémi

Assembly Technician / Occupational Safety Manager

Working at IRELEC means traveling, innovating, learning on a daily basis, constantly discovering, and striving to be more and more attentive to detail and push back the limits of what is technically possible.

Grégoire

Mechanical Designer

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A great place to live and work

Situated near Grenoble, France, IRELEC offers an excellent work-life balance. Whether you’re into outdoor sports, mountain adventures, or cultural experiences, Grenoble has something for everyone. IRELEC is located in Saint Martin d’Hères, just outside Grenoble, close to the Université Grenoble-Alpes campus, and directly on the main public transportation lines.

In keeping with Grenoble’s reputation as a global center for innovative industrial and tech companies, IRELEC works with customers around the world, including synchrotrons, advanced research laboratories, top universities, and industrial companies in a wide range of industries. At IRELEC, all employees contribute to cutting-edge projects, working alongside experts from diverse backgrounds to make a global impact.

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In addition to constantly honing my technical knowledge, my mindset and confidence in life in general have also improved at IRELEC. Plus, the fact that I can regularly enjoy the surrounding mountains on foot, on skis, or even paragliding makes Grenoble the ideal place to work and live.

Valentin

Mechanical Designer

Joining IRELEC is an amazing achievement for me, because from the first visit, I felt the passion which drives the members. Passion for the quality and for the technological innovation.

Nicolas

Project Manager

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Testimonial

I have had the opportunity to work with Irelec on two quite different devices, a robotic sample changer for protein crystals under cryogenic conditions and a focusing mirror system for installation on a synchrotron X-ray beamline. These two projects require very different technical skills and knowledge and exemplify the breadth of engineering proficiency that Irelec possesses. In both cases the interactions with Irelec were professional, collegial, and efficient. I would characterize the company as a reliable and professional supplier of sophisticated equipment that requires precision engineering.

Kevin D’AMICO

Chicago, USA

I am very happy to congratulate you on a very fine piece of engineering [micro-furnace]. It is quite likely that we used the cell in more challenging conditions with “Industrial Gasses” than any experiment ever undertaken at ESRF with their version of the cell.

Dr Timothy HYDE

Billingham, UK

It is worth recognizing that the primary reason for selecting the IRELEC system was due to the proven track record of optical performance achieved at many synchrotrons worldwide. We appreciate your professionalism and stalwart support of our beamline and look forward to working with IRELEC on future projects.

Pr Wayne HENDRIKSON

New-York City, USA

I have worked with IRELEC on several projects over many years and always found them very professional and organised and happy to work in a collaborative manner throughout the design, test and installation of equipment. Communication is open and Documentation is always thorough and clear.

Andrew PEACH

Didcot, UK

Personally, I appreciate the collaboration with the whole IRELEC team during the project development, installation, and later long-term operation very much and like to emphasize, that this is one of the key factors for the success of the whole project. The whole IRELEC team supports the customer needs in a very professional and flexible way. During the long term operation of the sample changers, IRELEC remains the partner of choice to oversee the maintenance as well as reacting very in order to help to resolve and mitigate system issues, which are occurring fortunately very rarely.

Dr. Uwe MUELLER

Berlin, Germany

IRELEC staff were very accommodating and the delivered system is excellent. They are very professional and are open to discussing changes and modifications. They get the fine balance between meeting our local needs and keeping the robot [ISARA2] reliable and stable. Overall, I am very satisfied with our interactions with Irelec.

Dr. Tom CARADOC-DAVIS

Melbourne, Australia