LightGuide
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2005
- HeadquartersWixom, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
LightGuide firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- LightGuide
- Legal name
- LightGuide, Inc
- Website
- https://lightguidesys.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2005
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
LightGuide industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Augmented Reality Software
- NAICS
- Electric Lighting Equipment Manufacturing (3351)
- SIC
- Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Machine Vision & Inspection Lighting (Ring lights, bar lights, backlights, strobed illumination) (IMAGAIAG)
Keywords
Where LightGuide is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Wixom
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
LightGuide business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- AR Software Platform Subscription: LightGuide software platform is sold as a subscription, typically annual or multi-year contracts. The platform includes authoring tools, deployment capabilities, analytics, and AI features. Pricing is quote-based and tailored to customer deployment scope.
- Hardware Systems (smartAR Workcell, Workstation, Desktop): Sale of pre-engineered hardware systems including projectors, 3D cameras, controllers, and optional workstations. smartAR Workcell is fully customizable for industrial cells; Workstation is pre-engineered turnkey; Desktop is compact all-in-one for small parts.
- Professional Services & Training: On-site training, deployment services, and custom development for enterprise integrations. Includes workflow authoring training to ensure customers become self-sufficient with the platform.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Enterprise subscription with customizable deployment |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Hardware systems (smartAR product line) |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels8 records
LightGuide product offering
Product offeringCore offering
LightGuide sells an Industrial Augmented Intelligence Platform that combines projected AR guidance, AI computer vision, and analytics to automate complex manual manufacturing processes. The offering includes a software platform (sold via subscription) for authoring AR work instructions and analyzing production data, dedicated hardware systems (smartAR Workcell, Workstation, Desktop, and SpotGuideAR for warehousing), and professional services for deployment and training. Customers are enterprise manufacturers in aerospace, automotive, electronics, medical devices, data centers, and warehousing.
Product overview
LightGuide offers an Industrial Augmented Intelligence Platform consisting of a core software platform combined with dedicated hardware products. The platform combines projected augmented reality (AR) guidance with AI-driven verification and analytics to eliminate defects, increase productivity, and ensure digital traceability in complex manual manufacturing processes. The hardware portfolio includes smartAR Workcell (customizable for industrial cell integration), smartAR Workstation (pre-engineered industrial-grade workstation with dual touchscreens), and smartAR Desktop (compact all-in-one system for small parts). SpotGuideAR is a specialized module for warehousing and logistics using programmable spotlight projectors. The software platform includes Data Hub for analytics, Excalibrator for calibration, Copilot for AI-powered workflow analysis, and an SDK for customization. Solution areas cover assembly, part picking and kitting, test and inspection, training, maintenance, distributed manufacturing, and disability inclusion.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- smartAR Workcell: A fully customizable and scalable AR solution for multi-station connectivity, high-mix production, and deep industrial cell integration.
- smartAR Workstation
- smartAR Desktop
- SpotGuideAR
- LightGuide Copilot
Products and services
- LightGuide Augmented Intelligence Platform Core software platform that combines projected AR guidance with AI-driven verification and analytics to eliminate defects, increase productivity, and ensure digital traceability in complex manual manufacturing processes. Sold as a subscription to enterprise manufacturers.
- smartAR Workcell Fully customizable and scalable AR solution for multi-station connectivity, high-mix production, and deep industrial cell integration. Combines high-lumen projectors, 3D cameras, machine vision cameras, and MES/PLC/SCADA connectivity for complex industrial cells.
- smartAR Workstation Pre-engineered, industrial-grade AR workstation combining a high-lumen projector, 3D camera, Windows 11 PC, dual touchscreens, and ergonomic adjustable bench with industrial locking caster wheels for mobile, factory-ready deployment.
- smartAR Desktop Compact, portable all-in-one projected AR system optimized for small form-factor parts and processes, featuring an integrated projector, 3D camera, Windows 10 PC, 23-inch touchscreen monitor, and 20-inch touch-enabled mat work surface.
- SpotGuideAR Specialized AR system for warehousing and logistics that uses programmable spotlight projectors integrated with WMS to provide dynamic visual cues guiding workers to precise locations for picking, staging, and material flow.
- LightGuide SDK Software development kit enabling engineering and IT teams to extend and customize the platform using Node-RED visual logic builder, Python, and JavaScript for custom integrations and AI tool connections.
- Assembly Solutions AR-guided assembly workflows that standardize and error-proof manual assembly processes, preventing errors with interactive work instructions projected directly on work surfaces and detecting errors in real time with 3D sensors and vision cameras.
- Part Picking & Kitting Solutions AR-guided workflows for part picking, kitting and sequencing operations that provide real-time instructions and guidance to help workers pick right parts and kits more accurately and efficiently.
- Test & Inspection Solutions AR-guided workflows for testing and inspection processes that provide real-time instructions and guidance to ensure workforce operates at highest performance levels with error detection integration.
- Training Solutions AR-based training platform that creates immersive, interactive learning experiences to accelerate workforce development, with progress tracking, certifications, and personalized training based on areas for improvement.
- Maintenance Solutions AR-guided maintenance and repair workflows that project step-by-step instructions directly on work surfaces, freeing both hands for swift completion of maintenance tasks.
- Distributed Manufacturing Solutions AR-guided visual workflows for distributed manufacturing operations that can be leveraged across multiple sites, providing real-time instructions, guidance, and confirmation for consistent execution.
- Disability Inclusion and Accessibility Solutions AR solutions designed to make manufacturing more accessible and inclusive for individuals with disabilities through adaptable workflows, audio-visual cues, and hands-free operation.
Quantifiable outcome
- 90%+ quality improvement and error reduction
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use LightGuide
Customer profileNamed customers14 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
LightGuide technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration21 records
AI capability10 records
Feature9 records
LightGuide partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- SiemenscoreLightGuide joined the Siemens Alliance Partner Network, enabling deep integration with Siemens software including Teamcenter PLM, Process Simulate, Opcenter MES, Mendix, and Insights Hub. Work instructions can be generated from Siemens Bill-of-Process data, creating a seamless digital thread.
- Microsoft AzurecoreCloud-enabled data and analytics partnership enabling LightGuide to integrate with Microsoft Azure for enterprise analytics, data storage, and business intelligence dashboards including Power BI.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)coreCloud platform partnership enabling secure cloud-based analytics, data storage, and integration with AWS services for enterprise deployments.
- Google CloudcoreCloud-enabled analytics partnership enabling integration with Google Cloud Platform and Looker for business intelligence and data analytics.
- CognexcoreAI-powered machine vision integration partnership for real-time quality control and automated error detection in manufacturing workflows.
- KeyencecoreAI-powered vision solutions partnership providing real-time inspection, quality verification, and automated error detection capabilities.
- Rockwell AutomationcoreIntegrated support for Allen-Bradley PLC systems through Rockwell Automation partnership, enabling direct PLC communications for AR work instruction triggering.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
LightGuide competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- PTC: PTC's Vuforia and ThingWorx suites are the most established enterprise AR and industrial IoT platforms for manufacturing guidance and digital thread workflows, directly competing with LightGuide for the same industrial buyer.
- Microsoft (Dynamics 365 Guides / HoloLens): Microsoft bundles AR-guided work instructions (Dynamics 365 Guides) with HoloLens hardware and Azure cloud, targeting the same enterprise manufacturing guidance use case as LightGuide but with a wearable-AR delivery model.
- Rockwell Automation (FactoryTalk Innovation Suite): Rockwell's FactoryTalk portfolio (a LightGuide integration partner via Allen-Bradley) bundles MES, analytics, and connected-worker capabilities that overlap with LightGuide's data hub and digital thread functionality for plant operators.
- Siemens (Opcenter / Insights Hub / Tecnomatix): Siemens is both LightGuide's flagship Alliance Partner and a broad incumbent whose Opcenter MES, Insights Hub, and Tecnomatix portfolios touch the same digital-work-instruction and digital-thread workflows that LightGuide targets.
Direct peers
- TeamViewer (Frontline / Upskill): TeamViewer's Frontline (formerly Upskill) is a wearable-AR-based connected worker platform for assembly, inspection, and training in manufacturing—closest direct functional competitor to LightGuide's industrial AR guidance stack.
- RealWear: RealWear builds ruggedized, voice-controlled wearable AR headsets purpose-built for industrial frontline workers in manufacturing, field service, and maintenance—a delivery-mode alternative to LightGuide's projected AR.
- Librestream: Librestream's Onsight platform provides remote AR expert collaboration and connected-worker workflows for industrial environments, overlapping with LightGuide's assembly, inspection, and training use cases.
Emerging players
- RE'FLEKT: RE'FLEKT delivers AR remote assistance and AR work instruction solutions for industrial manufacturing and service, competing for the same frontline-guidance budget as LightGuide.
- Arvizio: Arvizio offers enterprise AR collaboration, training, and work-instruction tools for industrial and field operations, with overlap on guided assembly and remote assistance use cases.
- Holo-Light: Holo-Light provides streaming and visualization software for industrial AR/VR, including engineering review and training workflows that intersect with LightGuide's enterprise manufacturing use cases.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
LightGuide social profiles
Digital presenceLightGuide compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
LightGuide financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
LightGuide leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
LightGuide funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors3 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
LightGuide M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about LightGuide
What does LightGuide do?
LightGuide sells an Industrial Augmented Intelligence Platform that combines projected AR guidance, AI computer vision, and analytics to automate complex manual manufacturing processes. The offering includes a software platform (sold via subscription) for authoring AR work instructions and analyzing production data, dedicated hardware systems (smartAR Workcell, Workstation, Desktop, and SpotGuideAR for warehousing), and professional services for deployment and training. Customers are enterprise manufacturers in aerospace, automotive, electronics, medical devices, data centers, and warehousing.
Is LightGuide a public or private company?
LightGuide is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was LightGuide founded?
LightGuide was founded in 2005. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is LightGuide based?
LightGuide is headquartered in Wixom, United States, in the North America region.
How does LightGuide make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. AR Software Platform Subscription is the primary driver. The others are hardware Systems (smartAR Workcell, Workstation, Desktop) and professional Services & Training.
Who are LightGuide's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are PTC, Microsoft (Dynamics 365 Guides / HoloLens), Rockwell Automation (FactoryTalk Innovation Suite) and Siemens (Opcenter / Insights Hub / Tecnomatix). Direct peers are TeamViewer (Frontline / Upskill), RealWear and Librestream. Emerging players are RE'FLEKT, Arvizio and Holo-Light.
Does LightGuide have an API?
Yes. LightGuide offers a native REST API for integration with various systems, devices, and applications using HTTP-based requests. This enables simplified data exchange, custom integrations, task automation, and improved scalability. The platform also features a Software Development Kit (SDK) with a visual logic builder using Node-RED, allowing users to create workflows, set variables, and run programs without writing code. For advanced needs, the SDK includes Python and JavaScript API wrappers for custom code generation and AI tool integration. Developer documentation is at wiki.lightguidesys.com/Main_Page.
What industry is LightGuide in?
LightGuide's product category is Industrial Augmented Reality Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAGAIAG, Machine Vision & Inspection Lighting (Ring lights, bar lights, backlights, strobed illumination). Its NAICS code is 3351 and its SIC code is 3823.