What Sensor Line does

Sensor Line (legal name: Sensor Line Gesellschaft für optoelektronische Sensoren mbH) is a German developer and manufacturer of fiber optic sensor technology for road and rail traffic applications, headquartered in Schrobenhausen, Germany. Founded in 1996 by Fred Motzko, the company serves system integrators, government transportation agencies, highway authorities, private road operators, and rail infrastructure managers worldwide. Its sensors underpin electronic toll collection (ETC), intelligent transportation systems (ITS), automated vehicle classification (AVC), enforcement, and rail diagnostics use cases. Since 2021 it has operated as a wholly owned subsidiary of Canada's International Road Dynamics Inc. (IRD), itself part of TSX-listed Quarterhill Inc., within Quarterhill's Safety and Enforcement Division alongside sister entities PAT Traffic, ICOMS Detections, and VDS Verkehrstechnik.

The company's core technology is a microbending fiber optic sensing principle: optical fibers detect pressure through changes in light transmittance, where load-induced micro-deviations along the fiber axis cause measurable loss of optical power. The approach uses standard optical fibers without special treatment or additional optical components and is positioned as completely immune to electromagnetic interference (EMV immune), free of mechanical parts, and low-maintenance. The product portfolio spans three categories: road traffic sensors (SL PUR, SL PUR-VD dual-core direction sensor, SL EZ/EZR, SL SPZ, SL XID, SL SCV) and vehicle classification systems (SL Road System Basic for single-lane and SL Road System MLFF combining fiber optics with LIDAR for 3D road profiling); rail traffic sensors (SL FORPS fiber optic rail pad sensors across UIC 60, UIC 54, S 49 track systems with the XD-1100 interface); and custom products (SMS temporary sensor, PUR-BS bicycle detection, SL LEDS LED traffic light strip). Opto-electronic interface units (MX-210, MA-X10, MD-220) and installation accessories complete the offering. Manufacturing, development, and production are consolidated under one roof in Schrobenhausen, and the company holds ISO 9001:2015 certification.

The business model is entirely hardware-based B2B, monetized through the sale of sensors, complete classification systems, electronic interfaces, and custom-designed products, plus consumable accessories. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed, typically transacted via multi-year contracts. Go-to-market is a mix of direct enterprise field sales to system integrators and a channel/distribution network (Mobylis in Spain; Deviteck in Colombia; Techno Supply in Brazil; SignCo in Belgium/Netherlands) augmented by the global IRD/Quarterhill sales network. Trade show participation (Intertraffic Amsterdam and Mexico, ITS European Congress, InnoTrans) is the primary demand-generation channel. The company reports more than 100,000 sensors deployed across 50+ countries since inception.

Name

Sensor Line

Legal name

Gesellschaft für optoelektronische Sensoren mbH

Website

https://sensorline.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

German developer and manufacturer of fiber optic (microbending) sensors for road and rail traffic, selling hardware to system integrators, toll operators, and transportation agencies worldwide for tolling, vehicle classification, enforcement, and rail diagnostics. A subsidiary of IRD/Quarterhill.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Traffic Sensors

NAICS

Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827)

akta.pro primary industry

Optical & Light Sensors (Photodiodes/ALS/Color/UV) (HDAHALAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Automotive Sensors Manufacturing (Position/Pressure/Temp/IMU/Radar/LiDAR Cameras) (IMACAJAD)

Keywords

• Fiber optic sensors
• Traffic monitoring systems
• Vehicle classification technology
• Electronic toll collection
• Intelligent transportation systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Schrobenhausen

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Fiber Optic Traffic Sensors: Sale of fiber optic road and rail traffic sensors including SL PUR, SL EZ, SL EZR, SL SPZ, SL FORPS and custom-designed sensors for permanent installation in road and rail infrastructure.
2. Vehicle Classification Systems: SL Road System Basic and SL Road System MLFF - complete classification systems including industrial controllers, configuration software, fiber optic interfaces, loop detectors, and power supply units.
3. Electronic Interfaces and Accessories: Opto-electronic interface units (MX-210, MA-X10, MD-220, XD-1100), PUR slot filler materials, hanger bars, bolt sets, and pocket tapes.
4. Custom-made Products: Specialized sensor designs for specific partner needs including shapes, contours, and polyurethane-based reinforced fiber optic technology applications.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Sensor Line develops and manufactures fiber optic sensors for road and rail traffic applications, including in-road vehicle detection sensors, axle-based classification systems, and rail pad sensors. The products are engineered for electronic toll collection (ETC) and intelligent transportation systems (ITS), offering EMV immunity, 100% vehicle detection rates, and maintenance-free operation. All design, development, and production are carried out at the company's headquarters in Schrobenhausen, Germany.

Product overview

Sensor Line is a German technology company specializing in fiber optic sensor technology for traffic applications. The product portfolio consists of three main categories: (1) Road Traffic Products including SL PUR, SL EZ, and SL SPZ fiber optic in-road sensors with associated electronic interfaces (MX-210, MA-X10, MD-220), plus the SL Road System Basic (single-lane) and SL Road System MLFF (multi-lane free-flow) vehicle classification systems; (2) Rail Traffic Products including SL FORPS UIC 60, UIC60 HS, UIC 54, and S 49 fiber optic rail pad sensors paired with the XD-1100 interface; (3) Custom Products including the SMS temporary installation sensor, PUR-BS bicycle detection sensor, and SL LEDS traffic light strip. The company also offers accessories such as PUR slot filler material, hanger bars, bolt sets, and pocket tapes. All products are manufactured in Schrobenhausen, Germany and are designed for electronic toll collection (ETC) and intelligent transportation systems (ITS) applications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SL PUR Sensor Fiber optic in-road sensor designed for permanent installation in concrete or asphalt roads, providing vehicle detection, axle counting, vehicle classification, speed measurement, and headway measurement with a 99.99%+ detection rate.
• SL PUR-VD Sensor Dual-core fiber optic in-road sensor with independent sensor cores enabling vehicle direction detection and fault tolerance through redundant operation.
• SL EZ Sensor Polyurethane-based reinforced fiber optic sensor pre-installed in a polymer frame for permanent installation on concrete foundations, enabling quick and easy replacement without roadworks.
• SL EZR Sensor Replacement strip for SL EZ frames with chamfered shape for fast and simple installation into existing frame systems.
• SL SPZ Sensor Basic fiber optic sensor for permanent installation in concrete or asphalt roads, designed to detect cars, trucks, motorbikes, and bicycles for various traffic monitoring applications.
• SL MTA and SL KEY Sensors Polyurethane-based reinforced fiber optic sensors designed to replace T-shaped and keystone-shaped DYNAX treadles in steel frames.
• SL XID Sensor Fiber optic sensor designed to fit exactly in pre-installed metal frames for quick replacement without additional roadworks.
• SL SCV Sensor Fiber optic sensor designed for rectangular or trapezoidal metal frames to replace contact sensors used in South American markets.
• SL Road System Basic Single-lane axle-based vehicle classification system including industrial controller, configuration software, fiber optic axle detector interfaces, loop detector, and power supply unit.
• SL Road System MLFF Multi-lane free-flow vehicle classification solution combining fiber optic sensors with LIDAR for high-resolution 3D road profiling and precise axle detection.
• SL FORPS UIC 60 Fiber optic rail pad sensor for UIC60, S64, and R65 track systems (165 x 150 x 7 mm) measuring vertical train impact and vibrations.
• SL FORPS UIC60 HS High-speed fiber optic rail pad sensor designed for high-speed track systems (220 x 150 x 9 mm).
• SL FORPS UIC 54 Fiber optic rail pad sensor for UIC54 track system (165 x 140 x 7 mm).
• SL FORPS S 49 Fiber optic rail pad sensor for S49, S54, S41/10, S41/14, and UIC54E track systems (165 x 125 x 7 mm).
• SL Rail System Rail traffic management system for flat wheel detection based on Fiber Optic Rail Pad Sensor (FORPS) and four high-speed signal processing systems; preprocessing on Raspberry Pi system.
• SL MX-210 Electronic Analyzer Board Static optoelectronic interface board for 2-4 sensors with high-precision data acquisition, sensor calibration, and communication capabilities; direct replacement for SL MD-220 and SL XD-1100.
• SL SMS Sensor Surface-mounted fiber optic traffic sensor designed for temporary installations in self-adhesive reinforced mastic membrane pocket tape.
• SL PUR-BS Sensor Modified SL PUR sensor with softer polyurethane top layer and higher sensitivity for bicycle detection and cyclist counting in concrete or asphalt roads.
• SL LEDS LED traffic light strip with transparent resin for traffic awareness and safety applications, compatible with all SL sensors; patent pending.

Quantifiable outcome

• 99.9%+ vehicle counting accuracy in live tolling environments
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core, regional and minor.

• INTETRA Group Company Tetra HGSflagshipImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 17 April 2025Partnership with INTETRA Group Company Tetra HGS for live tolling environment on Izmir-Aydın motorway in Türkiye. Deployment achieved vehicle counting accuracy greater than 99.9% and classification accuracy greater than 99.5%. Intetra developed and installed the highway traffic management and toll collection system.
• Fernas Otoyol CorpflagshipImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFernas Otoyol Corp constructed and operates the Aydın-Denizli Motorway (163 km) in Turkey. Partnership for milestone project with 9 toll plazas, 40 entry lanes, and 47 exit lanes. Visit by Fernas representatives to Sensor Line facilities in April 2025.
• VDS Verkehrstechnik GmbHcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLong-term customer and 20+ year partnership with VDS, a German company developing and selling fixed and mobile traffic monitoring devices. VDS was acquired by IRD in 2021. Sensor Line is one of VDS's largest suppliers of fiber optic sensors. Companies continue to build on partnership and undertake joint technology development.
• MobylisregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partnership for Spanish road market. Mobylis (mobylis.es/sensores) is a highly qualified partner to expand service level in Spain. Official distribution partner for Spanish road market announced.
• SignCoregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSignCo successfully installed 30 bicycle detection stations in Belgium (Bruges, Gent, Antwerp, Mechelen) and Netherlands (Eindhoven, Helmond) using Sensor Line's sensitive TWIN sensors for bicycles, children's bicycles, and strollers detection.
• Deviteck (Colombia)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLong-time associate partner for Latin American market, participating in Intertraffic Mexico exhibitions together with Sensor Line.
• Techno Supply (Brazil)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLong-time associate partner for Latin American market, participating in Intertraffic Mexico exhibitions together with Sensor Line.
• RedFoxminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMet at ITS European Congress 2026 in Istanbul. Part of international partner network.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Kapsch TrafficCom: Austrian-headquartered global provider of tolling, traffic management, connected vehicle, and smart urban mobility solutions. Direct peer because it competes for the same toll-road and ITS contracts and supplies vehicle detection / classification subsystems, but with a much broader product portfolio across enforcement, urban traffic, and connected vehicle.
• Iteris: US-based ITS company providing video detection (Autoscope), traffic management software, and smart mobility infrastructure for state DOTs and toll authorities. Direct peer because it sells competing vehicle detection and classification solutions (predominantly vision-based) into the same tolling and traffic management RFPs Sensor Line addresses, and shares the same end customers.
• Q-Free ASA: Norwegian-headquartered provider of tolling, traffic management, and connected infrastructure solutions for highways and urban mobility. Direct peer competing for the same set of road authority and toll operator RFPs and offering detection subsystems that intersect with Sensor Line's product line within larger integrator solutions.
• SWARCO: Austrian-headquartered traffic technology group offering road marking systems, traffic signals, variable message signs, and in-road sensors / detection for ITS and tolling. Direct peer because SWARCO supplies detection and classification hardware and systems into ITS deployments that compete head-to-head with Sensor Line's fiber optic systems at the integrator level.
• TransCore: US-based provider of tolling and traffic management systems, including RFID-based electronic toll collection, in-road sensors, and back-office systems. Direct peer selling competing vehicle detection and classification technologies into the same toll-road and highway-authority market, though with a focus on RFID and integrated tolling systems rather than fiber-only sensors.
• Image Sensing Systems: US-based supplier of video-based vehicle detection products (Autoscope) and RTMS radar sensors used in traffic management and tolling applications. Direct peer that competes with Sensor Line on the detection/classification subsystem layer inside integrator-led tolling and traffic deployments, but using vision-based rather than fiber optic technology.

Broad incumbents

• International Road Dynamics (IRD): Sensor Line's parent company and a Canadian-headquartered ITS solutions provider that designs and supplies weigh-in-motion, tolling, traffic data, and road inspection systems worldwide. Overlap is direct in road traffic sensing and tolling, but IRD's portfolio is much broader (WIM, systems integration, enforcement software) and it overlaps with Sensor Line as both parent and adjacent supplier to the same buyers.
• Cubic Transportation Systems: US-based supplier of urban and interurban electronic ticketing, tolling, and traffic management systems, including detection and classification subsystems integrated into multi-modal transport solutions. Broad incumbent that competes at the systems integrator level for toll-road projects, generally partnering with detection-hardware specialists like Sensor Line rather than developing fiber-only sensors in-house.
• Siemens Mobility ITS: Division of Siemens providing road traffic management, tolling, and intersection control solutions, including in-road detection hardware and systems integration. Broad incumbent that supplies overlapping detection capability as part of larger traffic management and tolling offerings, but does not specialize in fiber optic road sensors the way Sensor Line does.

Emerging players

• Houston Radar: US-based manufacturer of low-power Doppler and FMCW radar sensors for vehicle detection, speed measurement, and classification in ITS and traffic applications. Emerging player with overlapping application (in-road/marginal vehicle detection) but using radar rather than fiber optic sensing, making it a partial substitute rather than a direct technology competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sensor-line-gmbh

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sensor Line