AKL-tec
AKL-tec is a German industrial manufacturer that designs logistics measurement and automation systems, including the CubiScan series and AI-powered Predictive Vision module, serving cargo handlers, warehouse operators, shippers, and air freight customers globally via direct sales and 30+ distributors.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1994
- HeadquartersAlsdorf, Germany
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What AKL-tec does
AKL-tec GmbH is a privately held German industrial manufacturer, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Alsdorf, that designs and produces logistics automation and measurement systems for freight, parcels, pallets, and 3D objects. Its core product portfolio spans the CubiScan series (N9, S9, 325, and the jointly developed 1200-AKL with US partner Cubiscan), the APACHE portal and APACHE DWS Static measurement systems, and the RedTagger T-300 automated labeling unit. The company builds on state-of-the-art sensor technology combined with self-developed deep learning and computer vision capabilities, delivered through its flagship AI module Predictive Vision for Logistics for hazardous goods detection, pallet classification, anomaly identification, and continuous-learning freight monitoring.
The business model is a hybrid of hardware sales, bundled and standalone AI/software subscriptions, professional services for installation and commissioning, and recurring support and maintenance contracts. Go-to-market combines direct enterprise field sales in Germany with a global network of over 30 authorized distributors covering Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Australia, including named partners such as Cubiscan (USA), BPS Global (China), 3H Corporation (Korea), Diverseco (Australia/SEA), Tecsoft (France), Inther (Netherlands/Belgium), and NIDO Machineries (India). Customer segments are horizontal across cargo handling, warehouse and intralogistics, shipping, and air freight, served via quote-based, multi-year enterprise contracts. The company is owned and operated by managing directors Herbert Elben and Rüdiger Elben, with no external parent, venture capital, or public listing disclosed.
AKL-tec firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- AKL-tec
- Legal name
- AKL-tec GmbH
- Website
- https://akl-tec.de
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1994
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- AKL-tec is a German industrial manufacturer that designs logistics measurement and automation systems, including the CubiScan series and AI-powered Predictive Vision module, serving cargo handlers, warehouse operators, shippers, and air freight customers globally via direct sales and 30+ distributors.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
AKL-tec industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Logistics Measurement and Automation Systems
- NAICS
- Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables (334513), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)
- SIC
- Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Misc Industrial & Commercial Machinery & Equipment (3590)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Real-Time Operational Visibility & Exception Management (TLAEAKAC)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Labeling, Coding & Marking Systems (IMAHAOAE)
Keywords
Where AKL-tec is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Alsdorf
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
AKL-tec business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Hardware and Measurement Systems: Sale of measurement systems including CubiScan (N9, S9, 325), APACHE portal, and specialized pallet inspection equipment. Systems are sold directly and through global distribution network.
- Software and AI Solutions: Predictive Vision for Logistics AI software solutions bundled with hardware or as standalone systems.
- Professional Services: Installation, commissioning, training, and support services for measurement systems.
- Support and Maintenance: Customer support services with dedicated ticket portal and account management.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom enterprise pricing based on requirements |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels5 records
AKL-tec product offering
Product offeringCore offering
AKL-tec designs and manufactures industrial logistics automation and measurement systems, including the CubiScan series and APACHE portal product lines, for contactless dimensional measurement, weight capture, and master data acquisition of parcels, freight, pallets, and 3D objects. Its offerings combine hardware measurement systems with AI-powered software modules (notably Predictive Vision for Logistics) for hazardous goods detection, pallet classification, and process optimization across cargo handling, warehousing, shipping, and air freight operations.
Product overview
AKL-tec offers a comprehensive portfolio of logistics measurement and automation solutions, comprising hardware-based measurement systems integrated with AI-powered software modules. The core product line includes the CubiScan series (N9, S9, 325) for dimensional measurement of parcels, freight, and 3D objects, alongside APACHE portal and APACHE DWS Static systems for fixed installation measurement. Strategic partnership with Cubiscan (since 2005) enables the jointly-developed CubiScan 1200-AKL high-capacity pallet measurement system. The AI-powered Predictive Vision for Logistics module adds deep learning capabilities for hazardous goods detection, pallet classification, and anomaly detection. Additional add-on modules include automated pallet inspection and RedTagger labeling systems. Products serve cargo handling, warehouse and intralogistics, shipping, and air freight applications with a focus on precision measurement, process automation, and AI-supported optimization.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- CubiScan N9 High-performance logistics measurement system establishing new standards in freight dimensioning with continuous scanning and easy system integration for logistics operators and warehouse customers.
- CubiScan S9 Precision measurement device for logistics dimensioning that captures object dimensions accurately while combining measurement accuracy with operational efficiency for logistics and warehouse operators.
- CubiScan 325 3D measurement system providing precise dimensional analysis for objects of any shape, suitable for varied logistics measurement needs in warehouses and distribution centers.
- CubiScan 1200-AKL High-capacity pallet measurement system jointly developed with Cubiscan, combining AKL-tec's expertise in heavy cargo measurement with Cubiscan technology. Features fast ROI, regulatory approval, and is the most widely used system in its class worldwide.
- APACHE portal first choice Compact, robust measurement portal designed for easy installation, providing reliable dimensional measurement for logistics operations.
- APACHE DWS Static Static dimensioning, weighing, and scanning system providing precise measurement data for logistics optimization.
- Predictive Vision for Logistics AI-powered software module using deep learning for continuous monitoring, hazardous goods detection, pallet classification, and intelligent process control in logistics environments. Recognizes danger labels, classifies pallet conditions, and provides early-warning freight information.
- Pallet Inspection Automated pallet inspection system that reliably identifies pallet conditions and Class C pallets using computer vision technology.
- RedTagger T-300 Automated marking and labeling system that enables automated object marking directly in the process, extending beyond pure data capture to include labeling automation.
Quantifiable outcome
- ROI times of a few months with Cubiscan 1200-AKL
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use AKL-tec
Customer profileSegments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
AKL-tec technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability6 records
Feature4 records
AKL-tec partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- CubiscancoreStrategic partnership since summer 2005. Joint development of Cubiscan 1200-AKL - the most widely used pallet measurement system worldwide with ROI times of a few months. Collaboration spans development, software, support, marketing, and sales across time zones. 20-year partnership celebrated with planting of partner tree symbolizing sustainable growth. AKL-tec brings expertise in freight measurement, contour detection, and robust measurement technology while Cubiscan leads in static dimensioning of small items and automated warehouse processes.
- SDFS Smarte Demonstrationsfabrik Siegen GmbHminorAKL-tec became one of approximately 70 partners of the Smart Demonstrations Factory Siegen in February 2024. Visit to the renovated facility of Achenbach Buschhütten GmbH & Co. KG demonstrated the smart factory concept.
- COREangelsminorAKL-tec participated in a panel alongside COREangels as part of a technological innovation delegation organized by Sands China and Macao Economic Development Bureau at Web Summit in Lisbon.
- gebauer.mediaminorFilm production company that created AKL-tec's new image film, providing real insight into what makes the company unique.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights4 records
AKL-tec competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- SICK AG: SICK is a German-headquartered leader in industrial sensors, including 3D and laser-based measurement solutions for logistics and warehouse automation. Its product portfolio overlaps with AKL-tec's APACHE and CubiScan offerings in dimensional capture and object detection.
- Mettler-Toledo: Mettler-Toledo is a global leader in industrial weighing and measurement instruments with broad logistics, parcel, and freight applications. Its dimensioning/weighing/scanning systems overlap directly with AKL-tec's CubiScan and APACHE product lines, but at a much larger enterprise scale.
- Zebra Technologies: Zebra's acquisition of Motorola Solutions' barcode and later its expansion into industrial machine vision and fixed industrial scanning make it a broad incumbent in logistics identification, dimensioning, and tracking. Zebra competes with AKL-tec across parcel/freight measurement use cases.
- Beumer Group: Beumer Group is a German intralogistics systems integrator providing conveyor, sorting, and palletizing solutions that often incorporate dimensioning and weighing subsystems. It is comparable to AKL-tec as a European-headquartered competitor in warehouse and cargo handling automation.
- Honeywell Intelligrated: Honeywell's Intelligrated division provides integrated warehouse execution, dimensioning/weighing/scanning, and conveyor-based logistics solutions. Its broader automation portfolio competes with AKL-tec in large enterprise intralogistics deployments.
Direct peers
- Vitronic: Vitronic is a German machine vision specialist with strong presence in logistics, postal automation, and hazardous goods identification. Its automated dimensioning, label recognition, and inspection systems compete head-on with AKL-tec's Predictive Vision and pallet inspection portfolio.
- LMI Technologies: LMI Technologies designs and manufactures 3D smart sensors used for inline measurement, inspection, and logistics applications. Its Gocator line of 3D profilers competes with AKL-tec's 3D object measurement and CubiScan 325 offerings in dimensional capture.
- Cubiscan: Cubiscan is AKL-tec's 20-year strategic partner and the original pioneer of parcel and freight dimensioning/weighing equipment. Their jointly developed CubiScan 1200-AKL is the flagship product, making Cubiscan the most directly comparable peer in static and dynamic dimensioning hardware.
Emerging players
- ifm electronic: ifm is a German industrial sensor and automation specialist with growing offerings in 3D vision, object recognition, and intralogistics. Its expanding vision portfolio puts it into adjacent competition with AKL-tec's measurement and AI-based inspection systems.
- Quanergy / LiDAR-based vision vendors: LiDAR and 3D vision specialists such as Quanergy target warehouse, freight, and logistics measurement use cases. They represent an emerging threat layer to AKL-tec's optical/sensor-based dimensional measurement stack, particularly in automated dimensioning and yard logistics.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
AKL-tec social profiles
Digital presenceAKL-tec financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
AKL-tec leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
AKL-tec funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
AKL-tec 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 AKL-tec
What does AKL-tec do?
AKL-tec designs and manufactures industrial logistics automation and measurement systems, including the CubiScan series and APACHE portal product lines, for contactless dimensional measurement, weight capture, and master data acquisition of parcels, freight, pallets, and 3D objects. Its offerings combine hardware measurement systems with AI-powered software modules (notably Predictive Vision for Logistics) for hazardous goods detection, pallet classification, and process optimization across cargo handling, warehousing, shipping, and air freight operations.
Is AKL-tec a public or private company?
AKL-tec is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was AKL-tec founded?
AKL-tec was founded in 1994. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is AKL-tec based?
AKL-tec is headquartered in Alsdorf, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does AKL-tec make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Hardware and Measurement Systems are the primary driver. The others are software and AI Solutions, professional Services and support and Maintenance.
Who are AKL-tec's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are SICK AG, Mettler-Toledo, Zebra Technologies, Beumer Group and Honeywell Intelligrated. Direct peers are Vitronic, LMI Technologies and Cubiscan. Emerging players are ifm electronic and Quanergy / LiDAR-based vision vendors.
Does AKL-tec have an API?
No public API is recorded for AKL-tec.
What industry is AKL-tec in?
AKL-tec's product category is Logistics Measurement and Automation Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLAEAKAC, Real-Time Operational Visibility & Exception Management, with a secondary code of IMAHAOAE, Labeling, Coding & Marking Systems. Its NAICS code is 334513 and its SIC code is 3823.