German sensor manufacturer Leuze is betting on supercapacitor technology to improve the efficiency of industrial hand-held scanners, as logistics operators look for faster charging, lighter devices, and reduced environmental impact.
The company said its IT 1960 series now incorporates so-called “supercaps”, which can recharge in seconds and withstand millions of charge cycles, offering an alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries in certain use cases.
Supercapacitors, sometimes referred to as ultracapacitors, differ from batteries in that they store energy electrostatically rather than chemically. This allows them to deliver high bursts of power over short periods, making them particularly suited to tasks such as bar code scanning during inventory checks. By contrast, battery-powered devices are better suited to long-shift operations requiring several hours of uninterrupted use.
According to Leuze, the advantages of supercaps include a longer service life — up to 15 years compared with around 2,000 cycles for lithium-ion batteries — as well as resilience to extreme temperatures. Devices powered by supercaps are also lighter: Leuze’s new wireless scanner weighs just 220g, improving ergonomics for warehouse staff.
There is also a regulatory and sustainability dimension. Unlike batteries, supercaps are not covered by the EU’s new Battery Regulation, which imposes stricter requirements on recycling and traceability. They also avoid the use of critical raw materials such as lithium and cobalt, making them attractive to companies with supply chain sustainability targets.
Dieter Eßlinger, Head of Product Launches and Sales Coordination at Leuze, said the technology was not intended to replace batteries altogether but to complement them: “Supercaps are the more efficient choice for applications requiring short, regular bursts of power. For continuous, long-duration tasks, batteries remain the preferred solution.”
Founded in 1963 and headquartered near Stuttgart, Leuze specialises in sensors and automation technology for industries including intralogistics, packaging, automotive, and laboratory automation. The company has positioned itself as an early mover in integrating supercapacitors into industrial mobile devices, a segment where reliability, cost-efficiency, and sustainability are increasingly decisive factors.
