Third-year and fourth-year students specialising in Industry and Robotics took part in a tour of the Louis Vuitton warehouses in Cergy. This immersive experience gave them the opportunity to observe the practical workings of a large-scale supply chain, including automation, cobotisation and interactions with the teams.
Observing industrial systems in real-world conditions provides further insight into the technical aspects of the engineering programme.
Understanding a supply chain in a real-world industrial setting
The tour organised at the Louis Vuitton warehouses in Cergy was structured around a specific objective: to analyse the journey of products from their receipt through to their dispatch to various international distribution points.
The students were able to follow the various stages of the supply chain, identifying the physical flows and associated operations. A large part of the process still relies on manual operations, which allows for an assessment of the balance between human intervention and automation in an environment with high standards in terms of quality and deadlines.
This immersive experience provides a practical understanding of the concepts covered in class, particularly in flow management, industrial organisation and logistics optimisation.
Automation and cobotisation: gradual developments
One of the key areas of focus is the deployment of robotic solutions in the new Zephyr warehouse. Autonomous mobile robots (AGVs) assist operators with physical tasks, particularly the transport and lifting of loads.
This equipment is designed to assist rather than replace human workers. Its role is to improve working conditions whilst increasing the overall efficiency of operations.
This approach allows cobotisation to be viewed as a tool for process optimisation, taking into account human and organisational constraints. The students were thus able to link these observations to the concepts of collaborative robotics studied during their training.
Discussions with staff and an insight into the industry
The visit also provided an opportunity for discussions with staff on site, as well as with the Logistics Manager, Stéphane Fallon.
These interactions allow operational challenges to be addressed from a professional perspective: managing volumes, coordinating flows, and adapting to fluctuations in demand.
These discussions help to better understand the expectations of industrial and logistics companies, as well as the skills required on a day-to-day basis. They also contribute to shaping the students’ career plans by providing concrete insights into careers related to the supply chain and robotics.
Major in Industry and Robotics: a course focused on modern industrial systems
The Industry and Robotics major within the engineering programme trains students to design and deploy industrial systems incorporating digital technologies.
The curriculum covers simulation, modelling and programming using tools such as RoboDK, MATLAB, Simulink and 3DEXPERIENCE. This technical approach prepares students for a variety of environments, ranging from production sites to industrial services.
Industry 4.0: projects addressing current challenges
Projects carried out in partnership with industrial players such as Dassault Systèmes and Capgemini Engineering focus on topics related to Industry 4.0.
These include the integration of artificial intelligence into machining processes, the development of smart materials and additive manufacturing. These areas of focus build on the observations made during the visit, linking current practices to ongoing technological developments.
All these elements help to shape a comprehensive understanding of industrial transformation.
An experience directly linked to the course content
This visit was open to students on the degree programme as well as to prospective participants in the work-study scheme. It helps to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and its application in a real-world industrial setting.
This integration of academic training and practical observation aligns with the educational principles of the engineering programme, which are based on project-based learning and engagement with industry.
Adherence to a clear and informative editorial framework, prioritising structured and factual content, also helps to highlight the value of this type of experience in communication materials.
More about the Industry and Robotics specialisation at ESILV
This post was last modified on 29 May 2026 5:40 pm