Caracol leads additive manufacturing project for space with ESA support

The European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded a grant to Caracol as part of the AIMIS LFAM project (AI-Based Monitoring of Large Robotic Format Additive Manufacturing in Space). This initiative focuses on developing large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) technologies for space applications.

The project is a collaboration between Politecnico di Milano, OBO Space, and Caracol, and is funded under ESA’s “Assessments to Prepare and De-Risk Technology Developments” programme, which supports the evaluation of high-potential technologies for future space missions.

AIMIS LFAM combines expertise in robotics, composite polymer extrusion, and artificial intelligence. The goal is to design autonomous, self-monitoring production platforms capable of operating in extreme environments, such as in orbit or on extraterrestrial surfaces.

This project builds on Caracol’s ongoing development of large-format additive manufacturing solutions, particularly through its Heron AM system, known for its reliability, repeatability, and industrial-grade quality.

The collaboration with ESA highlights the growing interest in LFAM technologies for space, reinforcing Caracol’s position as a leader in this rapidly evolving field.

Source: Caracol – VoxelMatters