Sensity Systems

Sensity Systems, founded in 2010 by Rusty Cumpston and formerly known as Xeralux, established itself as a key player in the smart city solutions market before its acquisition by Verizon in October 2016. The company, now operating as Verizon Smart Communities LLC, pioneered the concept of a Light Sensory Network (LSN), which utilizes energy-efficient LED lighting as the backbone for a high-speed, sensor-based Internet of Things (IoT) platform.

The core of Sensity's business was the NetSense platform, an open, multiservice networking system embedded within both new and retrofitted LED luminaires. This transformed standard streetlights into intelligent, sensor-equipped devices capable of capturing and transmitting data. The platform was designed to serve municipalities, universities, retail centers, and other large-scale facilities, enabling them to reduce energy costs while deploying a range of smart applications. Revenue was generated by selling this integrated hardware and software platform, allowing clients to capitalize on their transition to LED lighting.

Sensity's technology offered a suite of applications beyond simple lighting control. The embedded sensors could facilitate services such as public safety monitoring through video analytics, traffic management, smart parking, and environmental monitoring for conditions like air quality and snowfall. Prior to its acquisition, Sensity had successfully deployed its platform in 42 smart city installations globally and had formed strategic alliances with companies like Genetec and Cisco. The acquisition by Verizon aimed to integrate Sensity's platform into Verizon's ThingSpace IoT business, accelerating the deployment of comprehensive smart community solutions.

Keywords: smart lighting, IoT platform, smart cities, light sensory network, LED infrastructure, public safety, parking management, environmental monitoring, Verizon, NetSense