Datalogic
Corporate brand
UnclaimedDatalogic is an Italian automatic data capture and industrial automation company known for barcode readers, mobile computers, sensors, machine vision and laser-marking systems.
Last updated October 16, 2026
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Overview
Datalogic is an Italian technology company focused on automatic data capture and process automation. Its portfolio combines hardware, software and related solutions for identifying, measuring, inspecting and tracking objects, products and people across operational environments. Core activities include barcode readers, mobile computers, radio-frequency identification systems, detection and safety sensors, machine-vision equipment and laser-marking systems. The company was founded in 1972 by engineer Romano Volta near Bologna. It initially produced electronic devices, but soon concentrated on photoelectric sensors for textile, ceramics and packaging applications. Expansion led the business to its present site at Lippo di Calderara di Reno. Datalogic subsequently developed a strong position in barcode scanning and became associated with several early applications of automatic identification technology. A major milestone came on June 26, 1974, when a Datalogic Magellan Model-A fixed scanner was used to scan a pack of chewing gum in a retail store in Troy, Ohio. The event is widely recognized as the first retail barcode scan. The original scanner became an emblem of the company’s role in the development of point-of-sale automation; surviving examples are held by the Smithsonian Institution and by Datalogic. Datalogic extended its technology into transportation, postal operations, retail self-service, logistics and industrial production. In 1984, a Datalogic barcode reader was used at Milan Linate Airport for baggage sorting, an early airport application of barcode identification. The company also describes a 1999 postal RFID application as the first of its kind and introduced Shopevolution middleware in 2000 for self-shopping using a handheld computer with an integrated barcode reader. The group expanded through acquisitions, adding businesses and technologies in areas such as barcode scanning, industrial sensing, machine vision and retail automation. Notable transactions include PSC in 2005, Datasensors in 2008, Evolution Robotics Retail in 2010, PPT Vision in 2011, Accu-Sort Systems in 2012, M.D. Micro Detectors in 2021 and Pekat Vision in 2022. These acquisitions extended Datalogic’s product range from traditional scanning into industrial automation, inspection and intelligent vision. Datalogic serves retailers, manufacturers, transport and logistics operators, airports, postal and parcel organizations, healthcare institutions and other enterprises. Its products are used at supermarket checkouts and points of sale, in factories and warehouses, in parcel and baggage handling, and in hospital and laboratory workflows. The company operates internationally, with a business model centered on selling specialized equipment and integrated automation solutions through direct and channel relationships. Datalogic S.p.A. has been listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001, under the ticker DAL.MI. The company reported 2024 sales of €493.8 million. Romano Volta remains involved as executive president, while Valentina Volta became chief executive officer on January 1, 2017. The brand is currently positioned as a specialist provider of identification, sensing, vision and automation technologies for organizations seeking greater operational accuracy, traceability and throughput.
History
Datalogic was established in 1972 by engineer Romano Volta in a room at the rectory of a parish in Quarto Inferiore, on the outskirts of Bologna. The young company initially manufactured electronic devices. It soon redirected its technical focus toward photoelectric sensors used in textile machinery, ceramic production and packaging equipment. As the business grew, it moved from its original premises to the site at Lippo di Calderara di Reno, where the group remains headquartered. The company’s later identity was shaped by automatic identification. On June 26, 1974, a Datalogic Magellan Model-A scanner read a barcode on a pack of chewing gum in a retail store in Troy, Ohio. This is recognized as the first retail barcode scan. The episode established Datalogic as an early participant in the practical deployment of barcode technology and connected the company with the transformation of checkout operations from manual price entry to machine-readable product identification. Datalogic continued to apply barcode technology outside conventional retail. In 1984, one of its readers was used at Milan Linate Airport to sort baggage, representing an early airport use of barcode identification. The company later moved into radio-frequency identification and other forms of automatic data capture. A postal RFID application dating from 1999 is described as the first worldwide application of RFID in a post-office setting. In 2000, Datalogic introduced Shopevolution middleware, a self-shopping system based on a small handheld computer with an integrated barcode reader. The group expanded its technical and commercial scope through acquisitions. PSC was acquired in 2005, followed by Datasensors in 2008 and Evolution Robotics Retail in 2010. PPT Vision joined the group in 2011, strengthening the machine-vision activity, and Accu-Sort Systems was acquired in 2012 to add automatic identification and logistics expertise. More recent additions included M.D. Micro Detectors in 2021 and Pekat Vision in 2022. Taken together, these transactions helped Datalogic evolve from a scanner-centered business into a broader provider of sensing, vision, identification and process-automation systems. Datalogic’s technologies are deployed in retail stores and supermarkets, factories, warehouses, airports, shipping and postal operations, hospitals and other professional environments. Its offering includes fixed and handheld barcode readers, mobile computers, RFID products, industrial sensors, safety devices, machine-vision systems and laser markers. These products support tasks such as point-of-sale identification, inventory control, parcel and baggage sorting, production-line inspection, traceability, measurement and worker or machine safety. The company has also emphasized innovation as part of its corporate identity. On June 8, 2009, founder Romano Volta received Italy’s Business Prize for Innovation from President Giorgio Napolitano. The award recognized the company’s growth in Italy and internationally and its investment in innovative technologies and methods. Datalogic S.p.A. has been listed on the Italian Stock Exchange’s STAR segment since 2001, under the ticker DAL.MI. In the company’s current leadership structure described in the reference material, Romano Volta serves as executive president and Valentina Volta has served as chief executive officer since January 1, 2017. Datalogic reported 2024 sales of €493.8 million. It remains an active international technology group serving organizations that use automated identification and sensing to improve speed, accuracy, safety and operational visibility.
- 2017
Valentina Volta becomes CEO
[1]Valentina Volta became chief executive officer on January 1, 2017.
- 2009
Business Prize for Innovation
[1]Romano Volta received Italy’s Business Prize for Innovation from President Giorgio Napolitano.
- 2001
Italian Stock Exchange listing
[1]Datalogic S.p.A. began trading on the Italian Stock Exchange and is identified by ticker DAL.MI.
- 2000
Shopevolution introduced
[1]The company introduced Shopevolution middleware for self-shopping with a handheld computer and integrated barcode reader.
- 1999
Postal RFID application
[1]Datalogic was associated with an RFID application in a post-office environment, described as the first worldwide use of RFID in a postal setting.
- 1984
Barcode baggage sorting at Linate Airport
[1]A Datalogic barcode reader was used to sort baggage at Milan Linate Airport, an early airport application of barcode technology.
- 1974
First retail barcode scan
[1]A Datalogic Magellan Model-A scanned a pack of chewing gum in Troy, Ohio, in what is recognized as the first retail barcode scan.
- 1972
Datalogic is founded
[1]Romano Volta founded the company near Bologna, initially focusing on electronic devices before moving into photoelectric sensors.
Products and positioning
A specialist, engineering-led provider of automatic data capture and process-automation technologies for retail, manufacturing, transport and logistics, healthcare, and postal operations.
Fixed retail barcode scanners · 1974
Magellan
Magellan is Datalogic’s fixed-scanner family for retail checkout and point-of-sale environments. The line is historically significant because a Magellan Model-A performed the first recognized retail barcode scan in 1974. Magellan scanners are designed to automate product identification at checkout, helping retailers reduce manual entry and increase transaction speed. The family represents one of the clearest links between Datalogic’s pioneering barcode history and its continuing retail-automation business.
Automatic data capture
Handheld barcode readers
Datalogic’s handheld readers capture barcodes in retail, logistics, manufacturing, healthcare and other operational settings. They are used where workers need mobility or where products cannot conveniently be presented to a fixed scanner. The portfolio forms a core part of the company’s automatic data capture offering and supports activities such as checkout, stock handling, shipment processing, asset identification and production traceability.
Enterprise mobility
Mobile computers
Datalogic mobile computers combine handheld computing with barcode capture and wireless connectivity for frontline work. Typical applications include warehouse picking, inventory management, store operations, delivery workflows and industrial traceability. These devices extend identification beyond the checkout or production station by allowing employees to collect and transmit data while moving through facilities and supply-chain environments.
Radio-frequency identification · 1999
RFID systems
Datalogic’s RFID activity addresses automatic identification without requiring direct optical line-of-sight between a reader and a tagged object. RFID technologies can support postal, logistics, retail and industrial tracking applications. The company’s history includes a postal RFID application dating from 1999, marking an expansion from optical barcode reading into radio-based identification and broader item traceability.
Industrial detection, measurement and safety · 1972
Sensors
Datalogic supplies sensors for detecting objects, measuring process conditions and supporting machine and operator safety. The business traces back to the company’s early focus on photoelectric sensors for textile, ceramic and packaging machinery. Modern sensor applications include production-line control, presence detection, positioning, counting, dimensional checks and safeguarding automated equipment.
Industrial vision and inspection · 2011
Machine vision systems
Datalogic’s machine-vision systems use cameras, imaging hardware and associated software to inspect products, read codes, verify quality and guide automated processes. They are used in manufacturing and logistics environments where consistent visual inspection or identification is required. Acquisitions including PPT Vision and Pekat Vision strengthened the group’s capabilities in vision-based automation and inspection.
Industrial marking
Laser marking systems
Datalogic laser-marking systems create durable identification marks on industrial products and components. Such systems support traceability, serialization, coding and product authentication in manufacturing environments. They complement the company’s scanning, sensing and vision products by addressing the creation as well as the reading and verification of machine-readable identification.
Retail self-shopping software · 2000
Shopevolution
Shopevolution was Datalogic’s early self-shopping middleware solution, introduced in 2000. It used a small handheld computer with an integrated barcode reader to let shoppers scan products during their visit. The system illustrated Datalogic’s move from standalone scanning hardware toward software-supported retail workflows and customer-facing automation.
Brand decisions
2022
Acquisition of Pekat VisionM&ABackground
Datalogic sought to extend its machine-vision and intelligent inspection capabilities.
Action taken
Datalogic acquired Pekat Vision.
Aftermath
The transaction expanded the group’s vision-related technology base.
2021
Acquisition of M.D. Micro DetectorsM&ABackground
Datalogic continued broadening its industrial sensing portfolio.
Action taken
Datalogic acquired M.D. Micro Detectors.
Aftermath
The acquisition reinforced the group’s position in detection and sensor technologies.
2017
Appointment of Valentina Volta as CEOStrategyBackground
Datalogic continued its leadership transition while retaining founder Romano Volta in a senior executive role.
Action taken
Valentina Volta became chief executive officer on January 1, 2017, and Romano Volta served as executive president.
Aftermath
The arrangement combined new executive leadership with continued founder involvement.
2012
Acquisition of Accu-Sort SystemsM&ABackground
Datalogic sought to strengthen automatic identification and logistics applications.
Action taken
Datalogic acquired Accu-Sort Systems.
Aftermath
The deal added capabilities relevant to parcel, logistics and industrial scanning workflows.
2011
Acquisition of PPT VisionM&ABackground
Datalogic aimed to develop its machine-vision and automated inspection activities.
Action taken
Datalogic acquired PPT Vision.
Aftermath
The acquisition supported Datalogic’s expansion into industrial vision.
2010
Acquisition of Evolution Robotics RetailM&ABackground
Datalogic expanded into retail automation and self-service applications.
Action taken
Datalogic acquired Evolution Robotics Retail.
Aftermath
The deal strengthened the group’s retail self-service and automation capabilities.
2008
Acquisition of DatasensorsM&ABackground
Datalogic pursued greater breadth in industrial sensing and automation components.
Action taken
Datalogic acquired Datasensors.
Aftermath
The acquisition added sensor and detection capabilities to the group.
2005
Acquisition of PSCM&ABackground
Datalogic sought to expand its automatic identification and barcode-scanning business.
Action taken
Datalogic acquired PSC Inc.
Aftermath
The transaction broadened the group’s scanning portfolio and international reach.
Recent events
Reported
Datalogic announces acquisition of M.D. Micro Detectors[2]
Datalogic announced that its subsidiary Datalogic S.r.l. had committed to acquire the entire share capital of M.D. Micro Detectors from Finmasi for approximately €37 million. The transaction was expected to complete on 1 March 2021, subject to conditions.
Reported
MySize partners with Datalogic to make BoxSize available to customers[3]
MySize announced a partnership with Datalogic that makes its BoxSize measurement solution available to thousands of Datalogic customers in the transportation and logistics sector.
Reported
Datalogic announces the Skorpio X5 mobile computer[4]
Datalogic announced the Skorpio X5, a new key-based mobile computer for enterprise applications.
Reported
Datalogic launches Gryphon 4200 scanner series[5]
Datalogic announced its new Gryphon 4200 series of premium 1D handheld linear imagers for applications including retail checkout, manufacturing, ticketing, and healthcare.
Reported
Datalogic announces availability of Memor K mobile computer[6]
Datalogic announced the availability of the new Memor K mobile computer for data-capture applications in retail stores, manufacturing floors and distribution centers.
Reported
Datalogic announces Memor 20 debut at MODEX 2020[7]
Datalogic announced that it would debut the Memor 20 enterprise PDA at MODEX 2020.
Sources9 sources
- 1Datalogicen.wikipedia.org
- 2Datalogic 宣布收购 M.D. Micro Detectorsprweb.com
- 3MySize 与 Datalogic 合作向客户提供 BoxSizeprnewswire.com
- 4Datalogic宣布推出Skorpio X5移动电脑prweb.com
- 5Datalogic推出Gryphon 4200扫描器系列prweb.com
- 6Datalogic宣布Memor K移动电脑上市prweb.com
- 7Datalogic宣布Memor 20将在MODEX 2020亮相prweb.com
- 8Datalogic Launches the Memor™ 20 HC for Healthcare at HIMSS 2020prweb.com
- 9Datalogic Launches The New Skorpio™ X5, The Most Advanced Key-Based Mobile Computerfieldtechnologiesonline.com
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