Behind the Gates: A Conversation with Markus Green on AisleCop® Gen5

When pedestrian safety meets forklift traffic, there’s no room for error. That’s where AisleCop® comes in. And now, with the launch of Gen5, Cisco-Eagle has made it faster, easier, and more scalable to deploy than ever before.

We sat down with Markus Green, head of our Safety Automation department, to talk about what’s new, why Gen5 was developed, and how it’s helping safety managers and operations teams move faster.

Markus explains how AisleCop® Gen5 Automated Intersection Safety System works 

Q: So let’s start with the big picture. What is AisleCop® Gen5, and how is it different from what we’ve offered in the past?

AisleCop® Gen5 is the first version of the system that’s available in standard configurations, specifically two-gate and four-gate models. Previously, every setup was custom-designed. That worked well, but it came with more complexity.

Gen5 was created to solve that. It’s pre-programmed, ships in about two weeks, and uses wireless gate-to-gate communication that removes the need for controls wiring. A lot of those choices came directly from what we were hearing in the field.

Q: What made this the right time to roll out something like this?

Honestly, it was years of feedback building up. We kept hearing from customers that while custom AisleCop® systems are effective, they don’t always fit into tight project schedules or fast-moving environments. Some operations need a safer intersection solution, but they also need it quickly.

Gen5 came out of that. We wanted to keep the strength of the original system, but make it easier to access and faster to deploy.

Q: Let’s talk install. What kind of difference does Gen5 make on the ground?

It’s a big improvement. Because it’s pre-programmed and uses wireless communication between gates, the installer only needs to run power and sensor wiring. There’s no controls technician needed to configure it on site.

That means no delays from trying to schedule one, and no complexity on the back end. It’s plug-and-play, and that helps customers get up and running much faster. That was one of the most common pain points we heard, and we focused hard on solving it.

Q: So who’s the ideal user for Gen5?

It’s great for any facility where pedestrian and forklift traffic meet, especially if there’s a need for quick implementation. We’ve seen strong interest from warehouses and plants that want a smart solution without going through a full custom project.

It’s also perfect for companies that operate multiple sites with similar layouts and want a repeatable safety setup they can roll out consistently. We heard that over and over, “we need something we can standardize.” Gen5 helps make that possible.

Q: Are we still offering custom AisleCop® systems too?

Absolutely. Custom builds are still a big part of what we do, especially for more complex applications or unique layouts. Gen5 isn’t meant to replace that. It’s meant to add an option. Some customers will always need tailored solutions, and we’re here for that. Gen5 just gives us another way to serve people who need speed and simplicity.

Q: From a safety standpoint, why do intersections matter so much?

Intersections are one of the most dangerous areas in any facility. You’ve got moving equipment, foot traffic, timing issues, and blind spots all happening in the same space. That’s where things tend to go wrong. AisleCop® is designed to automate traffic control using sensors, lights, and gates. It separates people and forklifts at the decision point, not after. With Gen5, that kind of protection is faster and easier to get in place.

Q: What’s something people might not realize about Gen5?

I think people will be surprised by how streamlined it is. There’s a level of simplicity here that feels more like consumer tech than traditional industrial safety equipment. Everything was designed to solve the real issues our customers have brought to us over time. Also, it’s not just for smaller operations. We’ve had large customers show serious interest because it helps them move faster or roll out solutions across multiple sites with less friction.

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Evan Fleishacker