Zero To One Lab Develops 'ROL v2', a Compact Integrated Optical Wireless Communication Device

Zero To One Lab (Headquarters: Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture; CEO: Yoshihisa Kamikawa) announced on May 21, 2026, the development of 'ROL v2', a compact, integrated communication device (total operating weight: approx. 1.1kg, with built-in communication control unit) utilizing its proprietary 'Radio On Light' optical wireless communication technology. This product adopts a unique method that transmits RF (radio frequency) signal waveforms by superimposing them directly onto light. By integrating the previously required external controller into the main unit, it was developed as a compact, all-in-one model suitable for environments requiring temporary installation and portability, such as construction sites and disaster areas. With the increase in construction sites due to aging infrastructure and the need to secure emergency communication networks during natural disasters, there is a growing demand for 'responsiveness' and 'installation flexibility' in communication infrastructure. Furthermore, communication needs are rising in environments where traditional wired or radio communications are difficult to use, such as underwater, underground, tunnels, and ports. While optical fiber is a high-performance infrastructure, it requires installation work, making it difficult to deploy flexibly in some environments. Similarly, while radio communication is widespread, it can be subject to interference and frequency band restrictions. To address these challenges, the company has developed 'Radio On Light', an optical wireless communication technology that allows for flexible communication environment construction without the need for wiring. The company positions this technology as a 'third communication method' to complement wired and radio communications, aiming for use in sites with constraints on wiring or radio environments. By launching 'ROL v2' for real-world operation phases, the company is promoting the construction of new communication infrastructure in sites where wired and radio communications are insufficient. The product features a significantly redesigned structure, making it a compact, integrated model for field operations. Unlike conventional models that required an independent 1U server rack-sized controller, 'ROL v2' integrates the communication control unit inside the transceiver, significantly reducing the system's overall volume and facilitating deployment in temporary environments without rack facilities. The unit measures 16.2cm (W) x 6.9cm (D) x 8.4cm (H) (excluding lens). It achieves a weight of approximately 1.1kg in operating condition with the lens attached (approx. 850g for the main unit alone). This allows for mobile deployment in scenarios such as temporary scaffolding at construction sites, tripod installation during disasters, and verification on mobile platforms. By incorporating the communication control unit, the connection configuration with external devices is simplified, reducing the burden during installation, removal, and relocation. This enables faster progress in demonstration experiments and joint verification. 'Radio On Light' is an optical wireless communication technology that transmits RF signal waveforms by superimposing them directly onto light. It allows for flexible communication construction without wiring and achieves stable communication even under daytime ambient light, such as sunlight, thanks to high-sensitivity light-receiving technology. It is equipped with a receiving base capable of GHz-class high-speed response, ready for future speed increases, and supports mesh network configurations for communication between multiple nodes. The maximum transmission speed is expected to be 2.0Gbps, and the company has confirmed an 800m communication connection in outdoor field tests. *The 2.0Gbps maximum speed is a theoretical design value based on equipment configuration and does not indicate the effective speed at 800m. Actual speed and distance vary based on environment, installation conditions, optical axis alignment, and configuration. The technology is intended to solve challenges in 'communication-difficult environments' such as infrastructure maintenance, construction sites, tunnels, emergency disaster communication, underwater/marine research, port facilities, radio-interference-prone factories, and last-one-hop connections. CEO Yoshihisa Kamikawa stated, 'Communication infrastructure has developed mainly through wired and radio communications. However, there are many environments, such as disaster sites, construction sites, ports, factories, and underwater, where existing means are insufficient. We aim to realize a society where communication environments can be flexibly built where needed by commercializing Radio On Light as a new means to complement existing infrastructure.' Moving forward, the company will continue to collaborate with companies and research institutions for demonstration experiments and joint verification in fields such as construction, infrastructure, disaster prevention, ports, industrial equipment, and underwater communication.