What IRELEC does

IRELEC is a French precision robotics and mechatronics company founded in 1985 in the Grenoble area and operating since 1995 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of ALCEN. The company designs and manufactures high-precision opto-mechanical equipment, robotic systems, and instrumentation for scientific research facilities and industrial customers across four verticals: synchrotron radiation facilities (primary), large scientific instruments (particle accelerators, high-power lasers, nuclear fusion), biobanks, and Industry 4.0 manufacturing applications.

Core products include the ISARA2 high-throughput robotic sample changer for synchrotron macromolecular crystallography beamlines (464-sample cryogenic storage, 8.5–9.5 second exchange times), the HiDIFF-X next-generation single-crystal X-ray diffractometer (sub-200 nm sphere of confusion), mechanical mirror benders and KB mirror systems for sub-micrometer X-ray beam focusing, detector manipulators with sub-200 micrometer absolute positioning, the INLANDYS automated cryogenic biobank storage and retrieval system, and bespoke turnkey equipment for nuclear testing facilities (EPURE) and ultra-high-vacuum laser installations. Underlying technology spans precision mechanics, robotics engineering, ultra-high vacuum systems, cryogenics, and X-ray optics, with proprietary calibration methods achieving sub-100 micrometer positioning accuracy using standard industrial robot arms.

IRELEC generates revenue through custom-engineered hardware sales and full-lifecycle professional services spanning project management, installation, commissioning, and long-term MRO. The company operates an enterprise field-sales model with direct engineer-to-engineer engagement, supplemented by regional distribution partnerships (notably Shanghai Pursuing Life Science for the Chinese market). Pricing is quote-based on bespoke specifications with no public price list. The customer base spans major government research institutions (SOLEIL, ANSTO, MAX IV, ESRF, Argonne, CEA, CNRS, ILL), pharmaceutical companies (Eli Lilly), and industrial firms (ALSYMEX for ITER, Axfil for medical devices).

Name

IRELEC

Legal name

IRELEC

Website

https://irelec-alcen.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

IRELEC is a French precision robotics and mechatronics company designing custom opto-mechanical equipment, robotic sample changers, X-ray diffractometers, and cryogenic biobank systems for synchrotron facilities, large scientific instruments, biobanks, and industrial customers worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Precision robotics and scientific instrumentation

NAICS

Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables (334513), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827), Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826)

akta.pro primary industry

Robot Hardware, Actuators & Components (sensors, grippers, motors) (HDAAAIAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Instrumentation, Sensors & Calibration (EDAOAHAH), Reactor Monitoring, Diagnostics & Predictive Maintenance (Sensors, Digital Twin, PHM) (EUAKADAM), Optoelectronic Components (LEDs, photodiodes, optocouplers, optical sensors) (IMAGAJAF)

Keywords

• Precision robotics
• Synchrotron instrumentation
• Opto-mechanical equipment
• Robotic sample changers
• Scientific mechatronics

Headquarters

HQ city

Saint-martin-d'heres

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Precision Equipment Sales: Sale of high-precision robotic and optomechanical systems including sample changers, mirror systems, detector manipulators, and diffractometers. Products are custom-engineered to meet specific customer requirements with long development and manufacturing cycles.
2. Professional Services: Full lifecycle services including project management, design consultation, on-site installation, commissioning, and long-term Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO). Expert teams support customers throughout demanding projects.
3. Custom System Development: Design and prototyping of bespoke precision equipment for specific scientific and industrial applications, working closely with customers to develop solutions for complex requirements.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

IRELEC designs and manufactures high-precision robotic and opto-mechanical systems for scientific research and industrial applications. Its portfolio includes robotic sample changers (ISARA2), X-ray mirror and KB systems, single-crystal X-ray diffractometers (HiDIFF-X), detector manipulators, cryogenic biobank automation (INLANDYS), and turnkey robotic solutions for industrial inspection, sorting and process automation. Each system is custom-engineered and accompanied by full lifecycle services from design through commissioning and long-term maintenance.

Product overview

IRELEC specializes in precision robotic systems and mechatronics for scientific research and industrial applications. The company offers a portfolio of interconnected products including: ISARA2 high-throughput robotic sample changers for synchrotron beamlines; HiDIFF-X next-generation single crystal X-ray diffractometers; Mechanical Mirror Benders and KB Mirror Systems for X-ray beamline optics; Detector Manipulators for precise X-ray detector positioning; INLANDYS biobank sample management systems; and turnkey robotic solutions for Industry 4.0 including non-destructive testing, precision metrology, and process automation. These products share core technologies in precision mechanics, robotics engineering, ultra-high vacuum, cryogenics, and X-ray optics, with software integration capabilities for beamline control systems.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ISARA/ISARA2: High-throughput robotic sample changer for macromolecular crystallography beamlines at synchrotrons.
• INLANDYS®
• HiDIFF-X

Products and services

• ISARA2 Robotic Sample Changer High-throughput robotic sample changer for synchrotron macromolecular crystallography beamlines, featuring 464-sample cryogenic storage capacity, 8.5-9.5 second sample exchange time, automated puck loading assistance, HD camera sample detection and barcode reading. Designed for synchrotron facilities such as ESRF, SOLEIL, MAX IV, ANSTO and the Swiss Light Source.
• INLANDYS Automated Biobank System Fully-automated robotic biological sample storage and retrieval system for cryogenic biobanks, with camera-based sample tracking, nitrogen-cooled transfer stations for cold chain integrity, touchscreen interface linked to LIMS, and enclosed safety system for automated sample handling. Deployed at biobanks such as Grenoble University Medical Center.
• Mechanical Mirror Benders X-ray mirror bending systems that focus X-ray beams to sub-micrometer dimensions with twist-free elliptical, parabolic and cylindrical shapes. Features calibrated actuators for slope error compensation and temperature-insensitive operation. Supplied to synchrotron facilities including SOLEIL SWING beamline.
• KB Mirror Systems Kirkpatrick-Baez (KB) mirror systems that focus the X-ray beam in both directions, with proprietary mechanical bender solution and integrated shape compensators. Available in Custom and Compact configurations. Innovative calibration procedures allow installation without recalibration. Supplied to Eli Lilly & Co.'s LRL-CAT beamline at Argonne Advanced Photon Source.
• HiDIFF-X Single Crystal X-ray Diffractometer Next-generation single-crystal X-ray diffractometer for synchrotron macromolecular crystallography beamlines, featuring vertical W-axis with <200 nm sphere of confusion, <2 s mode switching, automatic centering using on-axis camera, absolute encoders on all axes, digital twin and collision avoidance. Handshakes with ISARA2 sample changer for a fully integrated MX end-station.
• Detector Manipulators Robotic 6-axis systems for accurate manipulation and positioning of X-ray detectors, including in-vacuum integration. Provide absolute positioning within 200 micrometers and long-term stability within 10 micrometers with large excursion volume. Supplied to SOLEIL Nanoscopium beamline and Argonne 33-ID beamline.
• Robotic Platform for Ultrasonic Control Precision robotic non-destructive testing system for ultrasonic inspection of welded joints, designed for nuclear environments. Two units were supplied to ALSYMEX for high-precision ultrasonic inspection of HIP-bonded joints on first-wall panels for the ITER experimental nuclear fusion reactor.
• Robotic Platform for Tool Sorting and Control Automated sorting and quality control robotic solution for precision manufacturing, including ophthalmic surgery needles. Provides 100% reliable quality control with improved efficiency and safety. Delivered to Axfil for medical supply manufacturing.
• Turning Box System for High-power Lasers ISO 5-compliant retractable laser mirror system for ultra-high-vacuum environments. Includes holder for a 300x450x80 mm laser mirror, three motorized positioning axes, laser windows, electrical feedthroughs and control electronics. Supplied to Amplitude Technologies for the ELI Attosecond Project.
• EPURE Facility Equipment Turn-key precision equipment for high-power flash X-ray radiographic and hydrodynamic testing facilities. Includes 128 impedance-matching pots, high-voltage cables, anti-debris systems, and beam stop devices with control electronics and software. Supplied to CEA-CESTA for the EPURE facility under the Franco-British Teutates project.
• High-Precision Metrology Solutions Custom robotic solutions achieving accuracy values below 100 micrometers using Stäubli TX2-90L robot arms with up to 10 kg payload. Includes proprietary calibration methods for robot base coordinate frame identification. Used for Industry 4.0 inspection and measurement applications.
• Non-Destructive Testing Solutions Automated inspection and testing solutions using precision robotics for quality control of manufactured parts without physical alteration. Combined with IRELEC's calibration know-how for demanding industrial environments.
• Process Automation Solutions Custom robotic equipment design and manufacturing for automating complex industrial processes including sorting, handling, manufacturing and controlling operations for Industry 4.0 customers.

Quantifiable outcome

• ISARA sample changers achieved international synchrotron community's solution of choice status within less than a decade of introduction (2017)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature9 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and regional.

• ALCENcoreOthersParent company of IRELEC since 1995 acquisition. ALCEN is a technology group with expertise across multiple sectors including health, fusion, and systems. IRELEC operates as a specialized precision robotics division within the larger ALCEN group.
• CIMESminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench competitiveness cluster dedicated to Manufacturing and Productive performance and efficiency. IRELEC is a member, providing networking and collaboration opportunities within the manufacturing ecosystem.
• PMBminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner with IRELEC on France 2030 investment plan project for development of intelligent robotized non-destructive testing system for inspection of critical industrial sites.
• Shanghai Pursuing Life Science Co., LtdregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional partner/distributor for IRELEC products in China. Yong HUANG serves as Managing Director, providing local sales and support for Chinese market.
• CEA (French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission)coreTechnology or IntegrationMajor research partner since IRELEC's founding in 1985. Close collaboration on Big Science projects including nuclear fusion research (ITER, Laser MegaJoule, Jules Horowitz), flash X-ray radiography (EPURE), and various scientific programs.
• CNRS (French National Center for Scientific Research)coreTechnology or IntegrationMajor research partner since IRELEC's founding in 1985. Long-standing collaboration on scientific instrumentation projects.
• ILL (Institut Laue-Langevin)coreTechnology or IntegrationLong-standing collaboration on neutron beamline instrumentation since early days. IRELEC supplies precision equipment for neutron beamlines at ILL.
• ESRF (European Synchrotron Radiation Facility)coreTechnology or IntegrationFirst mirror systems designed for ESRF in 1992, marking start of long collaboration. IRELEC's sample changer (CATS) originated at ESRF, and company has maintained position as reliable partner for synchrotron community globally.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• HUBER Diffraktionstechnik: German specialist in X-ray diffractometers, Eulerian cradles, and precision positioning for crystallography. Overlaps with IRELEC's diffractometer and detector positioning products.
• Xenocs: Specialized in X-ray optics, mirrors, and beamline instrumentation for synchrotrons and laboratory sources. Closest direct peer in KB mirror and beam-focusing optics, competing in the same ESRF/SOLEIL-style customer base.
• Rigaku: Major X-ray crystallography and diffraction equipment manufacturer with strong synchrotron and laboratory diffractometer presence. Directly comparable to IRELEC in single-crystal diffraction and beamline optics.
• STOE & Cie: Manufacturer of single-crystal and powder X-ray diffractometers for laboratory and synchrotron use. Comparable in diffractometer product category to IRELEC's HiDIFF-X offering.
• smarAct: Specialized in high-precision positioning and metrology systems widely used in synchrotron beamlines and sample handling. Directly comparable to IRELEC's sub-100 micrometer precision positioning and detector manipulators.

Broad incumbents

• Physik Instrumente (PI): Large precision motion-control and nanopositioning specialist serving photonics, synchrotron, and semiconductor markets. Comparable in precision mechatronics underpinnings, though PI is far broader and larger than IRELEC.
• Bruker: Global scientific instruments leader with X-ray diffraction, crystallography, and beamline instrumentation products that overlap directly with IRELEC's synchrotron offerings. Larger and broader portfolio but IRELEC competes in specific precision mechatronics niches.
• Thermo Fisher Scientific: Major analytical and life-sciences instrument manufacturer with X-ray, electron microscopy, and laboratory automation products. Adjacent to IRELEC's biobank and synchrotron instrumentation, with far larger scale.

Emerging players

• Oxford Cryosystems: Specialist in cryogenic sample cooling and low-temperature equipment for crystallography and synchrotron beamlines. Comparable to the cryogenic storage and sample-handling components inside IRELEC's ISARA2 and INLANDYS systems.
• MiTeGen: Supplier of cryogenic sample handling tools and mounts for macromolecular crystallography at synchrotrons. Comparable to ISARA2's cryogenic sample-change ecosystem, though MiTeGen focuses on consumables rather than robotic automation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@irelec-alcen
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/irelec

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about IRELEC