Xboard Project

From idea to e-commerce product: The Alcyde support

Transforming an innovative idea into an industrializable physical product is a major challenge. This is particularly true for creators of sports equipment and connected objects (IoT).

This is exactly the challenge of the Xboard project, which we supported from ideation through to pre-production.

The Xboard is not just a simple climbing hangboard. It is an advanced training tool:

• Designed to measure "Critical Force".

• Equipped with high-precision electronic sensors.

• Linked to a web application for performance monitoring.

The fruit of collaboration between Simon (electronic engineer and creator of Xboard) and Samuel (manager of Alcyde and climbing instructor), this project illustrates our ability to support creators of e-commerce products.

Our role: From the first technical prototype to the series production of the chassis by CNC machining.

Phase 1: Engineering, Prototyping, and Functional Design

Everything starts with a shared vision: to design a connected, precise pull-up board, but at a sustainable cost for the market.

The biggest challenge of an IoT product? The mechanical housing must integrate down to the millimeter with complex electronics, without disrupting its operation.

At Alcyde, we brought our dual expertise during the design:

- **3D Machining & Digital Cabinetmaking**:
1. Design and machining of the first chassis prototypes in **solid ash**.
   • Ash was selected for its exceptional density and mechanical resistance to strong dynamic loads.
• Sports expertise (Climbing):
2. The ergonomics of the "grips" were thought out, rounded, and adjusted in 3D.
   • The goal: to guarantee comfort and perfect biomechanics to prevent tendon injuries.

Thanks to our machining centers, each prototype could be iterated quickly. We were able to precisely adjust the internal cavities for the sensors and cable routing, while maintaining perfect rigidity.

Phase 2: Field Validation & Critical Force Workshops

A technical prototype is only valid if it is relentlessly tested. The Xboard project was therefore directly confronted with the demands of athletes.

We orchestrated several workshops with the group of students from the Bloc'n Roll (L'Union) climbing school and students from Paul Sabatier University (Toulouse III).

An undeniable validation: The application measured the force exerted to the nearest gram. Better still: the mechanics of the ash chassis absorbed the shocks without the slightest compromise on the electronic readings.

Phase 3: From Pre-production to E-commerce Launch

Once R&D is finalized, the industrial phase must begin. Alcyde supported the project to anticipate its entry into production (small series and pre-production):

• Rationalization of industrial costs (Nesting): Optimization of machining paths to minimize the loss of noble material.

• Extreme repeatability: Our machine fleet ensures perfect repeatability on each batch.

This partnership brilliantly validates all of Alcyde's industrial processes (precision hardwood machining, electronics integration, software, series optimization).

Alcyde: Your partner, from idea to series

The Xboard project perfectly illustrates the DNA of our workshop. We are a multidisciplinary technical partner, acting as the industrial bridge between the design office and series manufacturing in France.

Are you designing an innovative sports equipment or connected object?

Contact our team to prepare your industrialization