Caracol showcases AI-driven software at Formnext

Caracol, one of Europe’s fastest-growing deep-tech companies and a pioneer in large-format robotic additive manufacturing (AM), presented a major leap forward in its mission to redefine industrial production at the Formnext 2025 exhibition in Frankfurt last week.

At the show, the company presented the new evolution of its Eidos manufacturing software suite — the intelligent backbone of Caracol’s connected manufacturing ecosystem. Eidos introduces next-generation features that integrate AI, as well as other manufacturing processes, and advanced sensing to enable more autonomous, adaptive and high-performance production across its platforms.

Building on a year of significant growth — including the acquisition of Hans Weber Maschinenfabrik GmbH’s AM assets and a $40m Series B funding round — Caracol further consolidated its position as a global specialist in digital and automated manufacturing. The latest Eidos manufacturing software suite – developed for Caracol’s robotic platforms in collaboration with leading software and AI companies – integrates new manufacturing processes, AI and advanced sensing to enable smarter and more autonomous production.

Eidos Builder goes beyond printing to combine Caracol’s advanced slicing, simulation and AM capabilities with other processes such as scanning and milling in fully automated workflows. Eidos Nexus, the IoT and control brain of the platforms, is now powered with AI control, introducing intelligent features to introduce sensing, learning and smart control.

Visitors to the show had the opportunity to delve into the Eidos software experience, see Heron AM and Vipra AM robotic platforms live, and touch real-world industrial large-scale parts manufactured by leading companies globally such as Alstom, NP Aerospace and the UK Digital Manufacturing Centre, JOME and the CPC Group

Caracol also presented the world’s first 3D-printed catamaran, created with V2 Boats using its Heron AM platform through a continuous 120-hour build.

More information www.caracol-am.com

SYOS buys Bay Dynamics

SYOS Aerospace, a manufacturer of land, sea and air drones, has acquired underwater robotics specialist Bay Dynamics. This strategic move by SYOS will add autonomous sub-surface technology to its product range and expand its pipeline for future innovation and growth. SYOS is a joint UK-New Zealand manufacturer of uncrewed vehicles for the defence and civilian sectors. In April it announced a £30m defence contract with the UK government. SYOS CEO and founder Sam Vye says: “Subsurface capability is the next frontier and this deal brings us closer to delivering the full spectrum of uncrewed operations.”

More information www.syos-aerospace.com

Affordable apprenticeships

Enginuity, a UK skills body dedicated to closing the skills gap in engineering and manufacturing, is urging the Government to take decisive steps in the Budget later this week to restore the affordability of apprenticeships. Recent years have seen a major decline in apprenticeship starts, with 170,000 fewer places available in 2024 than in 2014. Enginuity wants policymakers to review employment costs and ensure that SMEs can continue investing in talent and training. Only by prioritising apprenticeships will it be possible to secure the future of industry and provide meaningful opportunities for young people.

More information www.enginuity.org

Helix Tool expands with new Blackburn office

Helix Tool Company, an independent distributor of cutting tools, has opened a new office in Blackburn, marking an expansion into the northwest. The new facility will offer same-day access to tooling brands such as Sandvik Coromant, Iscar, Walter, Tungaloy, OSG, Sumitomo, Dormer Pramet, Vargus and Quickgrind. The Blackburn team will also deliver on-site engineering support, tool-vending solutions and cost-saving assessments, helping customers improve output, tool life and efficiency. Helix says the move underlines its commitment to customers through smarter tooling and better technical support.

More information www.helixtools.co.uk 

Nasmyth Group acquired by Sigma Advanced

Nasmyth Group – a provider of precision engineering services to the aerospace, defence and related industries – has been acquired by Sigma Advanced Systems, a global manufacturer and service provider of advanced defence systems and security solutions. The acquisition marks an important milestone in Nasmyth’s evolution, providing a foundation for continued innovation, expanded capacity and the delivery of engineering solutions to customers worldwide. Sigma’s proven track record in design and manufacturing will bring strategic insight and financial strength to support Nasmyth’s next growth phase.

More information www.nasmyth.com