What Advanced Realtime Tracking does

Advanced Realtime Tracking GmbH & Co. KG (ART), founded in 1999 by Konrad Zürl and headquartered in Weilheim in Upper Bavaria, designs and manufactures high-precision optical tracking systems for professional Virtual and Augmented Reality applications. The portfolio centers on the DTRACK software platform that controls marker-based optical tracking cameras — including the ARTTRACK5, ARTTRACK6/M, AT7-50, AT7-80, and SMARTTRACK3 families — together with the ART Controller hardware interface, a broad catalog of active and passive markers and 6DOF targets, interaction devices (Flystick2+, Fingertracking, Measurement Tool), and complementary software including the markerless deep-learning tracker CAPTA, the camera-based assembly tool verifier VERPOSE, the ART Satellite Merger for combined master/subordinate tracking volumes, and the ART-Human motion-capture toolkit. All R&D, production, and sales operations are co-located at the single Weilheim facility, and the company maintains ISO 9001 certification audited by TÜV SÜD.

The business model is enterprise B2B, monetized through hardware sales of camera systems and accessories, software licensing (DTRACK, CAPTA, VERPOSE), and technical support services. Pricing is primarily quote-based, with a B2B e-commerce webshop introduced in 2025 for standard SKUs. Go-to-market combines direct regional sales managers (covering D-A-CH, Europe/India/Africa, and the Americas), a long-standing global partner and distributor network, and the company's own annual TECHDAY industry events. ART targets professional verticals — automotive design and prototyping (Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Daimler India, Italdesign), aerospace engineering and cockpit simulation (Airbus/ZAL Hamburg), industrial assembly and ergonomics, flight and driving simulation (VRgineers, Mechdyne), and academic research institutes (TU Dresden, TU Berlin, TU Chemnitz, TU Munich, FZI Karlsruhe) — and reports 2,500+ systems installed across more than 40 countries. The company has remained privately held and self-financed throughout its history, having never secured venture capital.

Name

Advanced Realtime Tracking

Legal name

Advanced Realtime Tracking GmbH & Co. KG

Website

https://ar-tracking.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Optical Motion Tracking Systems

NAICS

Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (3345), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)

SIC

Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827), Photographic Equipment & Supplies (3861)

akta.pro primary industry

Machine Vision & Optical Sensing (Cameras, 3D vision, LiDAR, illumination) (IMAGAFAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Object Detection & Tracking (HDAAAEAB), Real-Time Vision at the Edge (on-device CV/video) (HDAAAJAE), Motion Capture & Performance Capture (Body/Face, Cleanup, Retargeting) (MPADAHAC)

Keywords

• Optical motion tracking
• VR/AR tracking systems
• 6DOF tracking cameras
• Markerless object tracking
• Industrial tracking hardware

Headquarters

HQ city

Weilheim

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Optical Tracking Hardware Systems: Sale of optical tracking cameras (ARTTRACK, SMARTTRACK, AT7 series), controllers, markers, targets, and accessories. Products are sold directly and through partner network. Pricing is quote-based with a B2B e-commerce shop for standard items.
2. Tracking Software Licenses: DTRACK software licensing with flexible license concepts. DTRACK3 and DTRACK4 provide tracking control with various features and camera support configurations.
3. Application Software (CAPTA, VERPOSE): Specialized application software modules for markerless tracking (CAPTA) and assembly tool tracking (VERPOSE) with their own licensing models.
4. Technical Support Services: Technical support, troubleshooting, setup assistance, and configuration services for ART systems. Support is provided directly for direct customers and through partners for indirect customers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

ART manufactures and sells optical motion tracking systems for VR/AR applications, comprising proprietary infrared tracking cameras (ARTTRACK, AT7, and SMARTTRACK series), the DTRACK tracking software platform, markerless deep-learning object detection (CAPTA), and camera-based assembly tool tracking (VERPOSE). The company delivers high-precision real-time 6DOF position and orientation data, supported by interaction devices, markers, targets, motion capture tools, and integration interfaces (SDK, Unity and Unreal plugins). Solutions are sold to industrial enterprise customers across automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, simulation/training, and research sectors in over 40 countries.

Product overview

Advanced Realtime Tracking (ART) offers optical marker-based motion tracking systems and markerless object detection solutions. The product portfolio is organized around three core software platforms — DTRACK (the central tracking software powering all marker-based systems), CAPTA (deep-learning-based markerless object detection), and VERPOSE (camera-based assembly tool positioning) — complemented by a broad range of hardware including the ARTTRACK5, ARTTRACK6/M, AT7-80, AT7-50, and SMARTTRACK3 cameras, the ART Controller interface, interaction devices (Flystick2+, Fingertracking, Measurement Tool), targets and markers, and supporting software (ART-Human, ART Satellite Merger). All products are developed and manufactured in Germany.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• DTRACK: Central tracking software that serves as the heart of ART's marker-based optical tracking systems.
• CAPTA
• VERPOSE

Products and services

• ARTTRACK5 Next-generation ARTTRACK optical tracking camera offering higher frame rates and resolution for motion tracking applications; marketed as the industrial standard for immersive 3D applications.
• ARTTRACK6/M Small, discreet, yet powerful optical tracking camera designed for use in confined spaces and slots such as vehicle interiors, cockpits, and tight industrial environments.
• AT7-80 Premium high-precision tracking camera in the ARTTRACK product line, designed for large tracking volumes and high-accuracy applications.
• AT7-50 Cost-effective motion tracking camera with a compelling price-to-performance ratio, ideal for Powerwalls, CAVEs, and HMD arenas, and as an upgrade path for AT7-80 systems.
• SMARTTRACK3 / SMARTTRACK3/M Plug-and-play tracking system integrating two tracking cameras and the controller in a single housing; pre-calibrated at delivery for immediate use, compact for mobile deployment, and supporting up to 180 Hz full-screen tracking.
• ART Controller Hardware interface between ART tracking cameras and the host computer, available as a single rack-mountable 19-inch enclosure, providing the physical interface for DTRACK2 and DTRACK3 systems.
• DTRACK / DTRACK3 Central tracking software powering all ART marker-based optical tracking systems, providing fast camera configuration, real-time computation of orientation and position, and direct transmission of 3DOF/6DOF data to customer 3D applications. DTRACK3 adds multi-camera support, new GUI, and up to 70 targets.
• DTRACK4 Next-generation ART tracking software that runs directly on a customer's Windows 10/11 PC without requiring a separate ART Controller, featuring a new 3D monitor view and optimized support for ARTTRACK6/M, AT7-50, and AT7-80 cameras.
• CAPTA Markerless deep-learning-based object detection and tracking technology that recognizes and tracks objects in camera images without markers, supporting workpieces, vehicle bodies, assembly/maintenance tasks, and marketing demonstrations.
• VERPOSE Camera-based system for handheld assembly tools (electric screwdrivers, riveting tools, clinch pliers, filling equipment, special tools) that uses intelligent image analysis to detect predefined assembly positions and ensure correct assembly sequence execution.
• Flystick2+ Ergonomic interaction device for VR/AR applications with refined design, audio feedback, and vibrotactile feedback for navigation and object manipulation in 3D environments.
• Fingertracking Accessory for ART tracking systems that tracks hand orientation and finger positions, available in vibro-tactile or pure variants for VR/AR interaction.
• Measurement Tool (Messtaster) Pointer device for measurement applications, enabling high-accuracy point position measurements when used with ART tracking systems.
• ART-Specific Targets Rigid tracking targets made of multiple markers (minimum 4) for 6DOF tracking, including hand targets (HT), claw targets (CT), large hand targets (LHT), tree targets (TT), motion capture sets, HMD-specific targets for major HMD brands, and custom targets.
• Markers Active (IR LED) and passive (retroreflective) markers for ART tracking, including spherical markers (6.4-30mm), flat markers, ring markers for 5DOF tracking, and the Active Marker Controller (AMC) for active marker synchronization.
• ART-Human Motion capture support tool using 17 ergonomically designed 6DOF optical targets worn on regular clothing (no Lycra suit needed) with full inverse kinematics of a human skeleton model for full-body tracking.
• ART Satellite Merger Software that combines two ART tracking systems (a master system for overall volume tracking and a subordinate system for enclosed compartments) into a single coordinate system, enabling tracking inside occluded areas such as vehicle interiors.
• ART Webshop (B2B) Dedicated B2B e-commerce platform (shop.ar-tracking.de) offering selected ART products including cameras, targets, markers, cables, mounts, and accessories with direct availability and special offers.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2500+ tracking systems installed worldwide in over 40 countries
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

AI capability3 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Technische Universität BerlinminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023ART collaborates with TU Berlin on the KamInGKF project (2023-2025), focusing on robot control through adapted trajectory planning supported by external tracking information. Project is funded by German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection.
• Technische Universität ChemnitzminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021TrustAR project (2021-2023) developing software for better data protection in AR applications. Funded by German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.
• Technische Universität München (TUM)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021MEvoDiP project (2021-2023) providing location-based information to workers and updating digital twins during maintenance operations in chemical plants. Also involved in DELFIN project for ergonomic analysis.
• Wacker ChemieminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021MEvoDiP project partner for location-based worker information and digital twin updates in chemical plant maintenance.
• KIT Karlsruhe (Lifecycle Engineering Solutions Center)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Successful testing of ART Satellite Merger software at LESC to combine two tracking systems for tracking inside and outside enclosed spaces like car bodies.
• FZI Forschungszentrum Informatik KarlsruheminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Sensorium 4.0 project (2019-2021) for creating modular sensor environments and improving optical tracking technology for large-scale VR applications in industry and entertainment.
• Human Solutions GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019DELFIN project (2019-2022) using motion capture technology to create an ergonomic analysis toolkit for automotive and aerospace industry.
• Airbus/ZAL HamburgminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018iVeSPA project (2018-2021) focusing on optimizations in aircraft production. Funded by German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.
• CleverreachminorOthersNewsletter service provider based in Germany used for sending newsletters. Service provider stores data exclusively on ART's instructions and is committed to applicable data protection regulations.
• Greenpost MunichminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSensorium 4.0 project partner for modular sensor environments.
• Unity TechnologiescoreTechnology or IntegrationDTRACK Unity Plugin available on Unity Asset Store and OpenUPM portal for direct integration of ART tracking systems with Unity applications.
• Epic Games (Unreal Engine)coreTechnology or IntegrationDTRACK Unreal Plugin available on ART GitHub page for integration with Unreal Engine applications.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• PhaseSpace: PhaseSpace offers active-marker optical motion capture systems used in research, animation, and VR — directly comparable to ART's active-marker ARTTRACK cameras and DTRACK software stack.
• Movella (Xsens): Movella/Xsens provides inertial and optical motion capture systems (MVN) used in ergonomics, animation, and industry — overlapping with ART's motion capture and ergonomics solutions, including automotive and aerospace applications.
• Polhemus: Polhemus produces electromagnetic motion tracking systems widely used in simulation, research, and industrial applications — adjacent but comparable in target customer and precision-tracking use cases.
• Vicon: Vicon is a long-established UK-based provider of optical motion capture and tracking cameras/software, directly comparable to ART's ARTTRACK and DTRACK product lines for VFX, life sciences, and engineering.
• Qualisys: Qualisys is a Swedish maker of high-precision optical motion capture cameras and software (QTM), serving biomechanics, engineering, and industrial customers — a direct peer to ART in the professional optical tracking category.
• OptiTrack (NaturalPoint): OptiTrack manufactures optical motion capture cameras and tracking software widely used in VR, animation, and robotics — a direct competitor to ART's marker-based optical tracking systems.
• Northern Digital Inc. (NDI): NDI manufactures optical and electromagnetic measurement and tracking systems for medical, industrial, and research applications — comparable to ART's high-precision 6DOF tracking technology used in demanding enterprise environments.
• Codamotion: Codamotion provides optical motion capture systems used in clinical gait analysis and research — overlapping with ART's ergonomic and motion capture product lines for professional and research customers.

Broad incumbents

• Meta (Reality Labs): Meta's Quest devices ship with inside-out HMD tracking that competes with external optical tracking for many VR use cases, positioning Meta as a broad incumbent whose embedded tracking could displace dedicated systems like ART's in cost-sensitive deployments.
• Varjo: Varjo manufactures high-end professional XR headsets that natively integrate inside-out tracking and support external ART tracking — both a partner (ART makes targets for Varjo HMDs) and a partial competitor for the same enterprise VR/AR customers.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• GitHubgithub.com/ar-tracking
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCK1oLL7FOtudkJzY4GGW_xw?view_as=subscriber
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/advanced-realtime-tracking-gmbh

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

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 Advanced Realtime Tracking