Our Journey
From our roots to our sensors, we follow our belief in empowering freedom of movement. Follow our story, from the start with steadfast principles to transformative technology and our worldwide now.
Rethinking people flow is all about innovation. And innovation comes from people. So let us tell you about our people then and now, since our skilled and diverse team includes our leaders, who keep us moving forward.
Xovis is the brainchild of brothers David and Christian Studer, and Markus Herrli. Founded in 2008, the start-up has since grown into a global market leader for intelligent people flow. What hasn’t changed is our commitment to innovation, exceptional customer service and rigorous data protection.
We cultivate a culture that attracts the brightest minds in tech. As technical pioneers, we’re always one step ahead of the market. It’s part of our drive to always do things better than they've ever been done before. Our diverse teams are united by an innovative mindset, passion for progress and desire to make a difference. Together, we create innovative, intuitive and sustainable solutions that address challenges wherever people go.
Xovis Milestones
2008
Bright Idea Becoming Xovis
At a family gathering, video analytics expert Christian Studer had a life-changing discussion with his brother, electrical engineer David: Could they come up with a more efficient and accurate way to count passengers and measure traffic flow at airports - one that also protected privacy? The idea for Xovis was born. Christian and David Studer teamed up with David's colleague Markus Herrli to found Xovis.
2008 - 2011
The Early Years
Xovis broke the mold for traditional people flow solutions with the pioneering development of the world's first Xovis optical sensor. This development captured the imagination of forward-thinking individuals, leading to a surge of developers eager to contribute their expertise to this dynamic startup based in the Swiss capital of Bern. It marked a period of experimentation, discovery and continuous learning.
2012
3D Vison
In 2012, Xovis expanded to a team of eight and tested sensors at major airports including Zurich, Frankfurt and Stuttgart. PT2, a groundbreaking 3D tracker, overcame the limitations of monovision sensors. With Xovis software, PT2 transformed pedestrian flow measurement in large spaces, impressing the industry, including airports, and earning Xovis the 2012 W.A. De Vigier Award for its innovative product.
2013
Breakthrough
Now a leader in 3D technology, Xovis is experiencing a surge in demand for its Passenger Tracking Solution, renowned for its exceptional accuracy and reliability. To meet the demands of airport architecture, Xovis adds a new 3D sensor to its portfolio. Outgrowing its beloved small office and production space, Xovis moves to Zollikofen near Berne, where it continues to thrive as the company's headquarters.
2014 - 2015
More Than Airports
By late 2014, 14 global airports employed Xovis Passenger Tracking for wait times and KPIs. Responding to varied data needs, Xovis introduced PC2 (2014) and PC3 (2015) sensors, successors to PT2 and PT3, enhanced for airports, malls, outlets, and museums. Airports use 3D counters with Xovis software, while retail and building management integrate Xovis 3D sensors.
2016
Welcome On Board, EMERAM
EMERAM Capital Partners becomes an investor in Xovis. The German investment company's extensive experience, expertise and network enabled Xovis to set the course for scaling the business. With new products, over 35 airports, 100 system integrators and 50 dedicated employees, Xovis was ready to take not only its technology but also the company as a whole forward.
2017
Exploring New Spaces
In 2015, some Xovis customers used outdoor 3D people counting sensors. Xovis responded in 2017 with its first all-in-one outdoor 3D sensor, the PC3 Outdoor, and added the PC2R to its portfolio. In June 2017, Xovis expanded with an office in Boston, USA. Handelszeitung ranked Xovis as the second fastest growing company in Switzerland with a CAGR of 202% between 2012 and 2015.
2018
Xovis Meets AI
In January 2018, Xovis launched the PC2S, an AI-powered 3D sensor that sets a new standard for people counting and in-store analytics. Together with the Xovis SPIDER processing unit and the PC2 Outdoor, it strengthens the Xovis product line and extends the company's role as one of the leading technology providers for people flow and analytics.
2019
Capvis: A Shared Vision
Capvis, a leading mid-market investor, is taking Xovis to the next level. As a multi-award-winning private equity firm with a philosophy that values entrepreneurship, Capvis is the right partner to realise Xovis' growth ambitions and global expansion. Our shared innovative mindset, eye for excellence and clear vision make this a perfect fit.
2020
Accelerated Innovation
In a year that will probably be best remembered as the start of a global pandemic, Xovis rose to the challenge of developing solutions to meet the unprecedented demand for occupancy management. From the Physical Distancing Indicator to Face Mask Detection, Xovis' R&D and production teams stepped up their efforts to support customers across all industries.
2021
A Public Transportation Entry
The PCT1 sensor positions Xovis as a reliable supplier of Automatic Passenger Counting (APC) equipment. Xovis' PCT sensor, later equipped with object detection capabilities, is the first choice for passenger counting in public transport vehicles such as trains, light rail, trams, metros, buses or even gondolas.
2023
AERO Takes Flight
The launch of AERO, the company's fully managed passenger flow management service, is all about providing greater peace of mind for airport operators, employees, service providers and travellers. AERO puts Xovis at the forefront of the aviation industry's migration to cloud-native solutions.
2024
Xovis Acquires FORVIA HELLA People Sensing Business
In May 2024, Xovis finalized its acquisition of HELLA Agalia's People Sensing business. The merger significantly expanded Xovis' global footprint by adding around 60 employees, established a toehold in Germany with an office in Berlin, and improved access to the public transportation market.
In business for over 15 years, Xovis is an established high-tech company with more than 200 employees working globally and at company offices in Switzerland, Germany, and the US. More than 120 airports and over 400 system integrators count on Xovis sensors and solutions to optimize operations, support cost-management strategies, and increase revenue. Today, Xovis stands for accuracy, reliability, exceptional customer support, and inspiring innovation—values expected of a proud Swiss company.