What Automation Technology does

Automation Technology GmbH (doing business as AT Sensors) is a German designer and manufacturer of industrial 3D laser profile sensors, 3D cameras, and smart infrared cameras, headquartered in Bad Oldesloe between Hamburg and Lübeck. Founded in 1998 by Dr. André Kasper and Michael Wandelt as a system integrator, the company has evolved over 27 years into a specialized sensor OEM with proprietary silicon and on-sensor processing capabilities. Its core platforms include the C6 Series (world's fastest 3D profile sensors based on the proprietary WARP chip, up to 140 kHz), CS, XCS, ECS, and MCS sensor families, the C6-CA and C7-CA 3D cameras, and the IRSX series of smart infrared cameras, complemented by the AT SolutionPackage software (cxExplorer, cxSDK, MetrologyPackage) and accessories such as the IRS Calilux smart blackbody and IRCamSafe protective housings. Architecture is standards-based (GigE Vision / GenICam) with native integrations into HALCON, Cognex VisionPro, EyeVision, Open eVision, CVB, and MIL, plus industrial IoT protocols (Modbus TCP, Profinet, MQTT, OPC-UA) for the IRSX line.

The company monetizes primarily through B2B hardware sales, with one-time/perpetual pricing starting at $4,200 for C6 sensors, $6,600 for ECS, $11,220 for CS and MCS, $17,050 for XCS, $6,500+ for 3D cameras, and $5,050+ for IRSX cameras; subscriptions and SDKs are largely free or bundled, while accessories (cables, housings, calibration targets, blackbodies) contribute secondary revenue. Go-to-market combines direct enterprise field sales (Germany HQ, AT, Inc. in the US opened 2023 with Business Director Gretchen Alper), an online shop for configured units and accessories, an interactive product finder routing quote requests, and a global network of system-integrator partners (Selmatec, ISW, IBEA, IMA Ilapak, LASS Technology, EVT) that embed AT sensors into end-customer solutions. Target customers are industrial OEMs and integrators across electronics & semiconductors, automotive, food & beverage, logistics & packaging, metals & mining, wood & lumber, transportation infrastructure, and industrial thermal monitoring, with named accounts including ASMPT, ArcelorMittal Bremen, BeeHex, IMA Ilapak, LASS Technology, EVT, and EcoMark GmbH.

Name

Automation Technology

Legal name

Automation Technology GmbH

Website

https://at-sensors.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Automation Technology GmbH (AT Sensors) designs and manufactures industrial 3D laser profile sensors, 3D cameras, and smart infrared cameras for OEMs and system integrators in automotive, electronics, food, logistics, metals, and industrial thermal monitoring applications, with proprietary WARP on-sensor chip processing technology.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial 3D Sensors and Infrared Cameras

NAICS

Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables (334513), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519)

SIC

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

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial Sensors & Safety Automation (Sensors, Light Curtains, Safety PLCs) (IMAHAHAF), Motion & Machine Control (CNC, Robotics Controllers, Servo/Motion Controllers) (IMAGABAG)

Keywords

• 3D laser profile sensors
• Industrial imaging sensors
• Infrared thermal cameras
• Machine vision automation
• Laser triangulation measurement

Headquarters

HQ city

Bad Oldesloe

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. 3D Sensor Hardware Sales: Sale of 3D laser profile sensors across ECS, CS, XCS, and MCS series. Sensors are sold as configured units with pricing based on resolution, speed, and customization level. Both compact sensors and modular systems are offered.
2. 3D Camera Hardware Sales: Sale of 3D cameras (C6-CA and C7-CA series) for flexible system integration. Cameras support customer-selected lenses and lasers, targeting OEM customers and system integrators requiring maximum flexibility.
3. IRSX Infrared Camera Hardware Sales: Sale of smart infrared cameras (IRSX series) including IRSX-I336 and IRSX-I640 models with various lens options. Hardware pricing starts at $5,050. Radiometric calibration with temperature ranges from -10C to 550C (standard) and up to 1200C with ND filter.
4. Software and Solution Packages: AT SolutionPackage bundling software tools (cxExplorer, cxShow3D, cxSDK), SDKs for C/C++/Python, and application solutions. IRSX Software includes GigE Vision App, SmartProcessing App, and Camera Simulator. Offered as free downloads with products, with some advanced features in paid packages.
5. Accessories and Consumables: Sale of accessories including GigE cables, Power I/O cables, I/O panels, 90 degree adapter cables, protective housings (IRCamSafeEX, IRCamSafe 168 AI/AIW), STEC calibration targets, IRS Calilux smart blackbody, and power supplies.
6. Professional Services and Customization: Custom sensor configuration and system integration services. Custom-built 3D sensors adapted to customer specifications delivered within four weeks. Non-destructive testing (NDT) systems and application-specific solutions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Automation Technology GmbH (AT Sensors) designs, manufactures, and sells industrial 3D laser profile sensors, 3D cameras, and smart infrared cameras for automated inspection, quality control, and thermal monitoring in industrial production environments. The company serves OEMs, system integrators, and end-user manufacturers across electronics, automotive, food and beverage, logistics, metals, transportation, and wood/lumber industries, selling configured sensor hardware, accessories, software packages, and custom configuration services. All products are built on proprietary WARP on-sensor chip processing technology and comply with GigE Vision/GenICam industry standards.

Product overview

AT Sensors (Automation Technology GmbH) offers a comprehensive portfolio of specialized imaging sensor technology for industrial automation, inspection, and monitoring. The core product lines are: (1) 3D Laser Profile Sensors in four series — C6 Series (world's fastest, up to 140 kHz, WARP technology), CS Series (high-performance all-rounder), XCS Series (high-precision for electronics inspection, available in C6 and C7 generations), and ECS Series (cost-effective Eco sensors) — plus the modular MCS Series; (2) 3D Cameras in C6-CA (1G Ethernet) and C7 CA (5G Ethernet with LaserLink) series; (3) IRSX Series — the world's first truly smart standalone infrared camera with app & job concept; and (4) AT SolutionPackage software bundling cxExplorer, cxSDK, MetrologyPackage, and third-party integration tools. The product ecosystem is complemented by accessories including IRS Calilux smart blackbody, protective housings (IRCamSafeEX, IRCamSafe 168 AI), calibration targets (STEC), I/O panels, cables, and power supplies. The company has delivered over 100 sensor models across 3D and IR product lines, with over 27 years of experience since founding in 1998.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• C6 Series 3D Laser Profile Sensors The world's fastest 3D laser profile sensors based on a proprietary sensor chip with WARP technology, achieving profile speeds up to 140 kHz and resolutions up to 4,096 points per profile. Designed for high-speed industrial inspection.
• ECS Series 3D Laser Profile Sensors Cost-effective (Eco) 3D laser profile sensors using class 2M lasers at 660nm wavelength, delivering 2048 and 4096 points per profile at speeds up to 25 kHz. Designed for food, logistics, and robot vision applications.
• CS Series 3D Laser Profile Sensors High-performance all-round 3D laser profile sensors with resolutions up to 4,096 pixels, profile frequencies up to 204 kHz, and fields of view from 7 to 1,300 mm. IP67 rated with multiple laser configurations.
• XCS Series 3D Laser Profile Sensors High-precision 3D laser profile sensors optimized for electronics and semiconductor inspection. Available as C6 XCS (1G Ethernet, up to 66 kHz) and C7 XCS (5G Ethernet, WARP, up to 94 kHz) generations with ultra-high optical resolution (7.8 micrometer lateral).
• MCS Series 3D Laser Profile Sensors Modular 3D laser profile sensors for flexible system integration, configurable within 4 weeks. Supports high-power laser options (up to 2.5 W) with scanning widths up to 2.8 m for road surveying, railway inspection, and metal industry applications.
• C6-CA Series 3D Camera High-resolution 3D camera with 1G Ethernet interface, profile speed up to 200 kHz, and up to 614 million 3D points per second. Compatible with custom components, lasers, and lenses. Features integrated Scheimpflug arrangement.
• C7 CA Series 3D Camera High-speed 3D camera with 5 Gigabit Ethernet interface (5x throughput vs 1G), new LaserLink connector for direct laser integration, WARP technology, profile speed up to 94 kHz, and TFL mount option.
• IRSX Series Infrared Camera The world's first truly smart standalone infrared camera with app & job concept, web-based configuration, IP67 protection, and integrated IoT interfaces (Modbus TCP, REST API, Profinet, MQTT). Available in IRSX-I336 (336x256) and IRSX-I640 (640x512) variants.
• AT SolutionPackage (3D Software) Comprehensive software bundle including cxExplorer, cxShow3D, cxDiscover, cxSDK (C/C++/C#/Python/Matlab), cxExamples, and MetrologyPackage for setup, configuration, visualization, and 3D measurement with AT 3D sensors and cameras.
• IRSX Software (IRSX Apps) IRSX-specific software including Streaming App, SmartProcessing App, custom apps, IRSX Simulator (digital twin), cxDiscover for network configuration, and IoT communication tools.
• IRS Calilux Smart Blackbody Intelligent temperature reference radiator for IRSX cameras, enabling fail-safe temperature measurement with accuracy up to +/- 0.3C. Communicates via Ethernet or WLAN, supplied with traceable radiometric calibration.
• IRCamSafeEX Protective Housing Explosion-protective housing certified for AT IRSX series and FLIR A-series cameras in hazardous areas. AXC variant approved for combustible dust environments. Pre-certified as a complete housing-camera system.
• IRNDT Systems Non-destructive testing systems using IRSX infrared cameras with active thermography for contact-free, non-destructive quality control of products.
• 3D Sensor Accessories (Cables, I/O Panels, Power Supplies, STEC Targets) Accessories for AT 3D sensors and cameras including GigE Ethernet cables, Power I/O cables, I/O panels, 90 degree adapter cables, STEC spherical calibration targets, 24V DC power supplies, and protective housings.

Quantifiable outcome

• Profile speed up to 140 kHz with WARP technology on C6 series 3D sensors
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration12 records

AI capability6 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• LASS TechnologycoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartnership for robot-based 3D inline inspection. AT Sensors provides 3D sensors (CS Series), LASS Technology provides FlexScan inspection system, and EVT Eye Vision Technology provides vision software, enabling fully automated inline inspection of industrial components - robot-assisted, operator-independent, and directly integrated into production lines for reproducible results.
• EVT Eye Vision TechnologycoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCollaboration in the robot-based 3D inline inspection solution alongside LASS Technology and AT Sensors, providing EyeVision software for integrated automated inspection systems in industrial production environments.
• Selmatec SystemscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing technical partnership. Selmatec Systems serves as system integrator for inspection systems, integrating AT Sensors technology into complete solutions for customers including ArcelorMittal Bremen for 3D edge inspection of steel sheet.
• ISW (Institute for System Programming)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSystem integrator partner specializing in machine vision. Tobias Wichmann from ISW featured in customer interview series discussing integration of AT 3D sensors into machine vision solutions.
• IBEAminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSystem integrator partner for inspection systems. Michael Newger from IBEA featured in customer interview discussing use of AT sensor technology in inspection solutions.
• IMA IlapakminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPackaging solutions manufacturer integrating AT 3D sensors into their systems. Bjorn Brandt from IMA Ilapak featured in customer interview discussing baked goods inspection achieving 100,000 rolls per hour.
• BeeHexminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigh-tech robotics company specializing in 3D food printing and automated bakery systems. Chetan Arora from BeeHex featured in customer interview discussing integration of AT Sensors for food automation applications.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Photoneo: Slovak/UK-based 3D machine vision company offering structure light and laser profilers for robotic automation. Photoneo directly competes with AT in automotive and logistics 3D inspection, with comparable technology differentiation focus.
• Zivid: Norwegian startup producing high-resolution 3D color cameras for industrial bin picking and inspection. Zivid targets similar robotics and machine vision OEMs as AT, with a more software-defined 3D camera platform; a complementary rather than directly overlapping portfolio.

Others

• MVTec Software: German machine vision software vendor (HALCON, MERLIC). MVTec is an AT integration partner today but its software ecosystem could enable competing 3D sensor vendors, making it a strategic adjacent rather than direct competitor.

Direct peers

• Balluff: German family-owned industrial sensor manufacturer with broad portfolio including machine vision and position sensors. Balluff serves the same automotive and industrial automation customers as AT, providing comparable German-engineered alternatives.
• SICK AG: German manufacturer of industrial sensors and automation solutions. SICK's Ranger3 and 3D cameras compete with AT's CA series 3D cameras across automotive, logistics, and packaging inspection use cases.
• Keyence Corporation: Japanese manufacturer of industrial sensors, 3D profilers, and machine vision systems. Keyence's LJ-X8000 series of 3D laser profilers competes head-to-head with AT's C6, CS, and XCS series in high-speed electronics and automotive inspection.
• Basler AG: German manufacturer of industrial cameras including 3D and GigE Vision products. Basler's blaze 3D time-of-flight and ace 2 cameras compete in the same inspection and automation OEM channels as AT's 3D sensors and cameras.
• ifm electronic: German manufacturer of industrial sensors, including 3D cameras and proximity sensors for automation. ifm's O3D302 and O3D303 3D sensors compete in factory automation, logistics, and packaging inspection against AT's ECS and CS series.
• Cognex Corporation: Global leader in machine vision systems and industrial 3D sensors. Cognex's 3D-A5000 and In-Sight 3D products directly compete with AT's 3D laser profile sensors in automotive, electronics, and food inspection applications, serving the same OEM and integrator customer base.
• Teledyne FLIR: Global leader in thermal imaging cameras with broad industrial IR portfolio. FLIR's A-series and Ex-Series cameras are AT's direct competition in industrial thermography; AT's IRCamSafeEX protective housing is explicitly certified as compatible with FLIR A-series cameras.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/atsensors
• Xx.com/ATvisionsystems
• Facebookfacebook.com/atsensors

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

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 Automation Technology