Opsys Launches ALTOS Gen-2, Bringing a PoE Sensor Solution to
Accelerate Industrial LiDAR Technology Adoption
Holon, Israel, 30th December, 2024 - Opsys, the developer of the world's most advanced pure solid-state scanning LiDAR, launches the second generation of the ALTOS, its LiDAR technology for industrial use cases. The main addition to the original ALTOS sensor is that the ALTOS Gen-2 (Advanced LiDAR Technology Opsys Sensors) has PoE (Power of Ethernet) built into it. The ALTOS Gen-2 also benefits from a small form factor and rugged design. It passed a 50g shock and full vibration test (IEC-60068-2). In addition, the sensor has a long MTBF (estimated for a minimum of 10 years).
Making a device PoE capable offers several benefits, particularly in environments where simplicity, cost efficiency, and flexibility are key, such as Smart Cities, ITS, Robotics, and Security. The ease of installation massively reduces costs as well as offering scalability and a host of other advantages.
“We’re super proud to be launching the ALTOS Gen-2. As well as the numerous benefits that a PoE device brings with it, our LiDAR unit is especially suited for harder to reach environments that are commonly found in ITS and Smart Cities,” said Rafi Harel, Opsys’ CEO. He continues, “it is no surprise then to see the ALTOS Gen-2 already in use in Georgia, USA. That said, nothing beats seeing our LiDAR technology being used in real-life situations. It is so quick and easy to deploy that we expect to see a rapid uptake of the ALTOS Gen-2 across these industries and more.”
The main benefits the ALTOS Gen-2, with its PoE, brings to the Smart City, ITS, Robotics and Security sectors are:
Simplified deployment in hard-to-reach locations: LiDAR devices for traffic monitoring, robotics, or security systems are often mounted on poles, walls, or vehicles where traditional power outlets may not be accessible. It reduces trenching and wiring costs, for example, when installing the ALTOS Gen-2 along roadways or open spaces. This also saves on cost and minimizes disruption as there is no need to lay extensive power infrastructure
Enhanced mobility and scalability for ease of relocation and rapid expansion: industrial robots benefit from PoE because devices can be quickly moved and reconnected with a single cable. Smart City deployments can scale quickly by adding PoE-enabled devices to an existing network infrastructure.
Increased resilience and uptime: a PoE-enabled LiDAR system can leverage centralized power backup systems (like UPS or solar-powered switches), ensuring continued operation during power outages, crucial for traffic systems, security monitoring, and robotics. Industrial applications often demand 24/7 reliability, and the ALTOS Gen-2 provides stable power delivery with fewer points of failure compared to decentralized power adapters
Simplified maintenance and troubleshooting: as PoE switches support remote monitoring and control. This reduces downtime so that, for example, security cameras, and traffic monitoring units can be quickly reset via the network without manual intervention
Enhanced safety in industrial environments: as the lower voltage required for PoE minimizes the risk of electrical hazards in industrial setups, where sensitive equipment is often deployed. Plus, ethernet cables are more robust so can withstand environmental stress better than some power cords, ensuring longevity in harsh conditions like robotics factories or outdoor deployments
Supports modern IoT integration: many industrial applications integrate LiDAR with other sensors (such as cameras). PoE simplifies the connection of multiple devices to the same network. The ALTOS Gen-2 is edge computing ready enabling real-time analytics, crucial for ITS and robotics
Space-saving and aesthetically pleasing: LiDAR devices in industrial settings often have limited internal space. Using PoE eliminates the need for additional power circuitry, reduces the overall size of the ALTOS unit even further. In Smart City or architectural projects, having fewer cables and cleaner designs aligns with aesthetic goals
Reduced Total Cost of Ownership: as there are fewer components and a single vendor ecosystem
Enhanced security for critical applications: the ALTOS Gen-2’s centralized power and data delivery reduce the need for external power boxes, which could be tampered with in public installations. PoE switches can support VLANs, firewalls, and other network-level security measures to protect data integrity from connected LiDAR and IoT devices
Sustainable and green energy application: a PoE LiDAR delivers power only as needed, reducing energy waste compared to always-on AC power systems. A PoE-powered LiDAR can easily be paired with solar-powered PoE switches for off-grid deployments in Smart Cities and ITS.
Opsys expects to see sales of the ALTOS Gen-2 rapidly increase in 2025 and beyond as more and more prospects see the benefits the PoE and its other enhancements bring.
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Available for interview: Rafi Harel, CEO & Co-founder, Opsys
Media inquiries: Anna Kingsley, Marketing Director, Opsys