During the 1990s, automated data capture took a giant, technological leap forward, providing additional significant benefits to many markets and industries. Laser scanners, both fixed and handheld, switched to diode technology, leaving behind outdated tube-based designs. This not only led to the development of more accurate and reliable reading systems but also paved the way for much smaller form factor designs, easily integrated within tight spaces on manufacturing lines. Pioneering as always, Datalogic designed and released the first readers with fully integrated diode technology: the DS40 and the LS50.
