北陽電機（株）

What 北陽電機（株） does

Hokuyo Automatic Co., Ltd. (北陽電機株式会社) is a privately held Japanese manufacturer of optical sensors and related systems, founded in 2003 and headquartered in Toyonaka City, Osaka Prefecture. The company's core product is LiDAR-based 2D and 3D scan range sensors (測域センサ) used for distance measurement, environmental recognition, and safety monitoring, complemented by optical data transmission devices (wireless and optical remote controls, serial/parallel converters) and proprietary applied systems. Its technology relies on Time-of-Flight laser scanning with proprietary multi-echo detection, outdoor filtering for rain and fog, sensor synchronization to prevent mutual interference, and IP67-rated ruggedized housings (with -30°C to +50°C operation). The product lineup spans compact indoor sensors (UST series, 5–30 m range), heavy-duty outdoor scanners (UGM/UXM series, up to 50 m), 3D point-cloud LiDAR (YVT, and the new YHT and UCT series), safety laser scanners (UAM series), and applied systems including the ICHIDAS Laser NAV AGV positioner co-developed with Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems and the H-TM-B conveyor volume measurement system with Hakaruplus.

Hokuyo serves a horizontal mix of enterprise B2B customers across logistics and material handling (AGV/AMR navigation, warehouse automation), robotics (SLAM, service robots, cobot safety), manufacturing and factory automation, port and maritime (crane positioning, container detection), steel and heavy industry (crane collision prevention, raw material measurement), infrastructure (railway, highway, tunnel intrusion detection), and interactive entertainment (zoos, venues). The company maintains a direct-to-enterprise sales motion through its website with phone support (0120-770-747), and operates a Korean subsidiary (Hokuyo Korea Co., Ltd.) for East Asia coverage. GTM also includes developer relations through the URG Network community on SourceForge and academic sponsorships (Tsukuba Challenge, NHK Student Robot Contest, Fresh Lab Support Program, Technical Student Support Program).

The company monetizes almost exclusively through hardware sales of sensors and applied systems; pricing is not publicly disclosed and is obtained through direct inquiry. Revenue, headcount, and financial details are not disclosed in source material. The company is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified, and products comply with IEC 60825-1 laser safety (Class 1) and EN 61326-1 EMC for industrial environments. No parent company, funding rounds, or M&A activity are disclosed.

Name

北陽電機（株）

Legal name

北陽電機株式会社

Website

https://hokuyo-aut.co.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Hokuyo Automatic Co., Ltd. is a Japanese manufacturer of LiDAR-based 2D and 3D scan sensors, safety laser scanners, and optical data transmission devices, serving AGV/AMR robotics, logistics, factory automation, port, steel, and infrastructure customers primarily through direct enterprise sales with a Korean subsidiary.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Laser Sensors

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)

akta.pro primary industry

LiDAR & 3D Sensing Modules (HDAHALAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Machine Vision & Optical Sensing (Cameras, 3D vision, LiDAR, illumination) (IMAGAFAB), Industrial-Grade Sensors & Transducer Components (Discrete sensing elements, transducers, MEMS sensors) (IMAGAJAO), Imaging Sensors (CMOS/CCD/ToF/Depth) (HDAHALAF)

Keywords

• Industrial LiDAR sensors
• Distance measurement sensors
• Safety laser scanners
• 3D LiDAR scanning
• Robotics navigation sensors

Headquarters

HQ city

Toyonaka City

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Industrial Sensor Hardware Sales: Primary revenue from selling LiDAR sensors, laser scanners, area sensors, optical data transmission devices, and related industrial automation sensors. Products are sold as standalone hardware with optional accessories, cables, and mounting brackets.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

北陽電機 (Hokuyo Automatic) manufactures and sells LiDAR/range-finding sensors (2D and 3D), safety laser scanners, optical and wireless remote control devices, and partner-developed applied systems for robotics navigation, industrial automation, logistics, port operations, and area safety monitoring. Product range spans compact 5m indoor sensors to rugged 50m outdoor models with IP67 protection, multi-echo technology, and ROS/ROS2 support.

Product overview

北陽電機株式会社 (Hokuyo Automatic) is a specialized manufacturer of optical devices, sensors, and automatic door systems. The product portfolio centers on LiDAR/laser scanning sensors for distance measurement and environmental recognition, complemented by applied systems and optical data transmission devices. Core products include the UST series (compact indoor/outdoor LiDAR with 5m-30m ranges), UGM series (heavy-duty outdoor sensors for ports and construction), 3D LiDAR (YVT series for volumetric measurement), safety laser scanners (UAM series), and optical/wireless remote controls. Partner products include the ICHIDAS Laser positioning system and H-TM-B conveyor measurement system. The company serves robotics (AGV/AMR), logistics, factory automation, construction, infrastructure monitoring, and security applications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• UST-30LX Top-of-line 2D LiDAR sensor with 30m detection range and 270° scanning angle. Compact (50×50×70mm) with IP67 protection and multi-echo capability for outdoor use. Supports SLAM for AGV and robot environmental recognition. Targeted at robotics, AGV, and outdoor automation integrators.
• UST-10LXB-H02 PoE-powered 2D LiDAR with 10m detection range and 270° angle. Single LAN cable provides both power and data. Small spot laser (φ60mm at 10m) for precision detection. Optimized for interactive content and digital picking applications.
• UST-15LX Compact 2D LiDAR with 15m detection range and 270° scanning. Multi-echo capability and cold-resistant operation down to -30°C. Suitable for AGV/AMR mapping and entertainment applications.
• URM-40LC/LCN-EW Outdoor 2D LiDAR with 40m range and 270° coverage. Switchable between area-setting and data output modes. Features multi-echo, outdoor filters (rain, fog), contamination detection alarm, and IP67 rating.
• UST-30LC/LCN Outdoor 2D LiDAR with 30m range and 270°. Dual mode: area-setting (LA) and data output (LX). Multi-echo and outdoor filters for rain/fog resistance. Supports synchronized operation to prevent interference between units.
• UGM-50LXP/LXN Heavy-duty outdoor 2D LiDAR with 50m range (black target) and 190° scan angle. Metal housing for rugged environments. 50G shock resistance, heater function, 4-echo multi-echo, contamination alarm. Designed for port cargo handling, construction, and infrastructure applications.
• UXM-30LXH-EWA Outdoor 2D LiDAR with 30m range (black target) and 190° scan angle. Multi-echo, heater for -30°C operation, synchronization to prevent interference. For AGV, cranes, and outdoor material handling equipment.
• UST-05LN/LA Compact area-setting 2D LiDAR with 5m range and 270°. Up to 31 area pattern switching. For AGV obstacle detection, robot cell safety, and intrusion detection. IP65 rated. Replacement for light curtains and mat switches.
• YVT-35LX-F0/FK 3D LiDAR with maximum 35m range, 210° horizontal and 40° vertical fields of view. Produces X, Y, Z point cloud data for 3D environmental mapping, volume measurement, and shape inspection applications.
• YHT-10LA 3D Distance Sensor Compact 3D LiDAR with area-setting capability for environmental recognition and safety monitoring applications. Combines 3D scanning with configurable detection zones.
• UCT-10LCN Ultra-Compact 3D LiDAR Ultra-compact 3D LiDAR for outdoor use. Compact form factor with 3D environmental scanning capability for robotics and autonomous applications.
• UAM-05LECA-T301 Safety Laser Scanner Safety laser scanner for area monitoring and access protection. Designed for collaborative robot safety and machine guarding applications.
• ICHIDAS Laser NAV Laser positioning system for AGV/AMR navigation. Enables map-based self-localization without markers. Includes AGV control functions, ModbusTCP support, and path-following capability. Partner product from Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems.
• H-TM-B Conveyor Volume Measurement System Conveyor load measurement system using 2D LiDAR and rotary encoder. Displays 3D visualization of transported materials, real-time load monitoring, and cumulative statistics. Supports up to 6 sensors. Partner product from Hakaruplus Corporation.
• BRC-G Optical Remote Control Industrial optical remote control with 4/12-point transmission. Operating distance 10m/20m using infrared LED. FSK modulation for noise immunity. IP66 rated receiver. For shutter control, crane operation, and industrial equipment remote control.
• BRS Wireless Remote Control Wireless remote control using radio waves (2.410-2.480GHz, 15 channels). 4-point transmission, 10m range. No line-of-sight required. ID settings for up to 99 receivers. For overhead crane, parking garage, and shutter remote control.
• ISP-A1C Serial/Parallel Converter Serial/parallel converter enabling parallel I/O to RS-422/485 conversion. 16 points expandable to 128. 62.5kbps transmission speed. For extending parallel signal transmission over optical data links.

Quantifiable outcome

• Detection distance up to 30m for standard models, 50m for UGM series, with accuracy of ±40mm
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability6 records

Feature7 records

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Keyence Corporation: Japanese industrial sensor giant covering photoelectric, laser, proximity, and measurement sensors. Overlaps with Hokuyo's photoelectric/laser sensors and serves many of the same factory automation customers, but with a much broader portfolio.
• ifm Electronic: German industrial sensor and control specialist offering position, process, and condition sensors for factory automation. Competes in adjacent categories and shares the B2B industrial OEM go-to-market motion.
• Omron Corporation: Japanese industrial automation incumbent offering sensors, safety components, and robotics. Overlaps with Hokuyo in factory automation sensing and cobot/AGV safety applications, though as part of a much larger automation portfolio.

Direct peers

• Pepperl+Fuchs: German industrial sensor manufacturer specializing in proximity, photoelectric, and ultrasonic sensors as well as identification and explosion-protection solutions. Comparable B2B industrial sensing focus and customer base in factory automation.
• SensoPart Industriesensorik: German manufacturer of optoelectronic and laser distance sensors for factory automation and robotics. Comparable product positioning to Hokuyo's photoelectric and laser distance sensors for industrial OEMs.
• SICK AG: German manufacturer of industrial LiDAR, laser scanners, and safety scanners widely used in AGV/AMR, factory automation, and outdoor logistics. Most direct competitor to Hokuyo's 2D/3D LiDAR and safety scanner portfolio.
• RIEGL Laser Measurement Systems: Austrian manufacturer of LiDAR and laser scanners for surveying, industrial measurement, and outdoor applications. Highly comparable technology base (ToF LiDAR) and outdoor/industrial use cases.
• Banner Engineering: US industrial sensor manufacturer with strong presence in safety laser scanners, area scanners, and machine vision. Direct overlap with Hokuyo's safety laser scanner (UAM series) and area-detection product lines.

Emerging players

• SLAMTEC: Chinese LiDAR and robotics platform company offering RPLIDAR 2D/3D sensors and ROS-compatible modules. Comparable product positioning in the robotics/AMR ecosystem, particularly for cost-sensitive customers.
• Ouster Inc. US-based digital LiDAR company focused on 3D sensors for robotics, smart infrastructure, and industrial automation. Competes with Hokuyo's 3D LiDAR (YVT/YHT series) in robotics and outdoor applications.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCWVmv4mTGGN4J4-wxazNkEQ
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/%E5%8C%97%E9%99%BD%E9%9B%BB%E6%A9%9F%EF%BC%88%E6%A0%AA%EF%BC%89

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries1 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 北陽電機（株）