Career story Lieven Monbaliu Lummen

Which projects appeal to you the most?

Lieven: I find it fascinating to look for new technologies and methods to tackle challenges. You often need something new to solve a problem. ACE is known as a pioneer in the Benelux in applying new components. The process of finding the perfect solution is often a detailed search, but I enjoy discovering that one right approach in the end.

In addition, projects that combine coming up with innovative solutions with practical work appeal to me the most.

Can you give us an example of projects you have worked on at ACE?

Lieven: My first project was immediately a big one. It was technologically advanced, with many motors with motion technology and complex operations. Another project was also complex, but not necessarily big. I like that complexity, exploring and applying new things. Coming up with solutions that are very difficult is what makes my work so interesting. It is satisfying when those solutions work and the customer is happy. And later we get to build even more machines for them based on the good solutions we came up with as a team

How do you see yourself evolving within ACE in the future?

Lieven: I feel at home at ACE with exciting and varied projects. The variety between practical tinkering on projects and coming up with solutions appeals to me.

I started at ACE in project implementation with drafting flowcharts, writing the PLC programme and testing it. First with us in our own workshop and then at customer start-ups. I still do this, and when new colleagues start, I also take care of their training and supervision. About a year and a half ago, I was given additional responsibilities in planning and execution. As lead software engineer, I split machines software-wise into different pieces so that we can work on projects together with several people.  Furthermore, I also monitor the execution and also the planning of this. I like the fact that I have been given more responsibilities over the years.

I want to keep learning about new technologies. For instance, I am currently interested in applying AI in combination with vision in our field. While AI is impressive, I don't believe we should apply it for the sake of innovation itself. Simple solutions are often just as effective as complex ones. But it does offer opportunities, and I would like to explore and exploit them in future projects.