MAXxess Selected as Part of Integrated Access Control Solutions.
Company's Access Control Solution to be deployed at Correctional Facilities in Three States

Anaheim, CA — October 17, 2001 — MAXxess Systems, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Odetics Inc. (NASDAQ: ODETA & ODETB) has announced that it has been selected as part of a customized electronic access control system solution designed by the Spokane, Washington-based MW Consulting Engineers for multiple applications at several correctional custody facilities. MW Consulting Engineers specializes in the design of mechanical, electrical, and electronic systems for secure facilities. The MAXxess solution will be integrated with the SNAP Ethernet I/O from Opto 22, a leading developer and manufacturer of industrial automation systems for data acquisition and control.

Beginning in May 2002, the systems will be deployed at correctional facilities in Riverside County, California; Billings, Montana; and Benton County, Washington.

Wesley R. Appleby, President of MAXxess stated, "the unique architecture of the MAXxess system enables new levels of integration to be attained between traditional access control and other more specialized control systems such as correctional facility controls addressed by Opto 22." Upon installation of the integrated systems, these facilities will possess an open, networked access control system with reporting capabilities. Card access to various parts of the building will be tracked and recorded; cells, doors, and other parts of the facility can be remotely locked down, and authorized personnel will be able to receive event alerts if pre-designated conditions are exceeded.

About MAXxess

MAXxess specializes in the design and manufacture of high-level security electronic access control and security management systems. The company provides flexible security systems for a wide variety of facilities. MAXxess is a pioneer in developing the new wide-area Ambit Security™ Systems. The company also pioneered the use of 128-bit encryption for commercial access control applications. For more information, contact MAXxess at 1-800-842-0221 or go to the MAXxess website at www.maxxess-systems.com.

About Odetics

Odetics is engaged in the development of communication and technology companies that may be spun-off to its shareholders. Odetics companies develop software and hardware-based solutions for the intelligent transportation systems, telecommunications, video security, and television broadcast markets. Odetics headquarters are located in Anaheim, with additional operations in Europe and Asia. For information, contact Odetics at 714-774-5000 or access the Odetics website at www.odetics.com.

About MW Consulting Engineers

MW Consulting Engineers was founded in 1984 in Spokane, Washington by Robert H Welt, PE and James W Moore, partners and principals. Today, the firm consists of senior partners Welt and Moore, who lead a team of more than 40 engineers, designers, drafters and business administration professionals. The firm has developed the targeted ability to provide quality design of mechanical, electrical, low voltage electronics and communications systems for secure facilities of all descriptions.

MW Consulting Engineers has the experience and the ability to apply leading edge technology to the design of easily maintained, highly dependable, yet carefully integrated installations, specifically configured to meet the unique challenges of modern secure facilities.

About Opto 22

Founded in 1974, Opto 22 is a manufacturer of industrial automation products that harness the power of the computer and other commercially available technologies. Opto 22 provides low-cost, powerful hardware and software products for a broad range of applications, including data acquisition, remote monitoring, discrete manufacturing, and process control. All Opto 22 products are manufactured in the U.S. at the company's headquarters in Temecula, California, and are available through a global network of distributors, system integrators, OEMs, and directly through Opto 22's Web site at www.opto22.com. For more information, contact Opto 22 headquarters at 800-321-6786 or 909-695-3000.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

This news release contains statements that may be deemed to be forward-looking. These forward-looking statements may include statements about revenue growth, profit margins, the effect of cost reduction measures, and other statements relating to the operating results of Odetics or its subsidiaries. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of risk factors such as: short product lives, technological shifts, current technical issues that cannot be resolved on a timely basis, component availability, competition (including new and directly competitive products from others), pricing pressures, incorrect assumptions regarding market demand, the significant uncertainty of market acceptance of new products by both distributors and end-user customers, unanticipated capital requirements, retention of key personnel, general economic conditions, the inability of the company to execute its strategy including the completion of both private and public equity financings of its subsidiaries, and other factors identified in the Odetics' Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Investors are strongly encouraged to review the risk factors set forth in the Odetics most recent SEC filings.