Apollo 500 — Hardware Version 5 Release Notes

We're excited to introduce Version 5 of the Apollo 500, the biggest hardware upgrade to the Apollo platform to date. V5 delivers dramatically finer threat localization, dual-camera Sony full-body coverage, a next-generation AI processing platform, enhanced interference shielding, and new customization options — while maintaining an upgrade path for existing V4 units.

What's New in V5

24-zone threat localization V5 introduces a new 24-zone localization architecture — up from 15 zones in previous generations — pinpointing detected items with significantly greater precision so operators can resolve alerts faster and keep lines moving.

Dual thoroughfare cameras with fuller-body coverage V5 doubles the thoroughfare cameras from one to two, with updated Sony camera hardware providing fuller-body visual coverage of every walkthrough for faster, more confident alert resolution.

Next-generation AI processing An upgraded AI processing chip and AI board, along with an updated motherboard, detection board, and screen, deliver more processing power for Athena's detection models — today and as models continue to improve.

Enhanced interference shielding V5 adds upgraded shielding that blocks significantly more environmental interference than V4, delivering more stable detection performance in challenging locations — near automatic doors, elevators, electronics, and other real-world sources of electromagnetic noise.

School Mode Purpose-built for K-12 environments, School Mode supports high throughput with students walking through with backpacks containing laptops and three-ring binders — reducing nuisance alerts while maintaining weapons detection, so schools can screen every student without emptying every bag.

Cloud-connected firmware & configuration via iPad New API support lets the Athena iPad app communicate directly with the Apollo unit — retrieving settings, pushing configuration changes, and upgrading Apollo firmware right from the iPad. Firmware and settings updates can also be delivered from the cloud through the iPad to the Apollo, so units stay current without manual service visits.

Updated platform baseline V5 ships with updated firmware across internal components, an updated configuration baseline, and a new five-piece mat set.

V5 Style & Footprint Options

V5.1 — Wood-Vinyl — Apollo 500 with wood-vinyl exterior panels for environments where a warmer, architectural look matters, such as schools, places of worship, and corporate lobbies.

V5.2 — Hole-Free — Apollo 500 with clean, hole-free panels. Interior and exterior surfaces can be customized with your organization's branding or approved designs, letting the checkpoint blend into your entrance experience.

Compact mat option — An optional upgraded mat configuration that stays flush with the panels rather than extending past them, reducing the system's overall footprint — ideal for tight lobbies, narrow entrances, and multi-lane deployments where floor space is at a premium.

Upgrading from V4

The V5 Apollo AI Head Assembly pair is designed to upgrade and operate with existing V4 units, so current customers can bring V5 detection capabilities to installed hardware. Contact your Athena representative to confirm compatibility for your specific units before scheduling an upgrade.

Identifying a V5 Unit

V5 serial numbers begin with 7SY90 (or 7SY90UP for upgraded units). If you're unsure which hardware version you have, your Athena support team can confirm it from your serial number.

Compatibility Notes

• The Athena iPad app automatically detects and displays the correct zone layout for your hardware (15-zone for V1–V4, 24-zone for V5).
• V5 maintains compatibility with the Athena Control Center and existing WDS applications.

The Apollo 500 is Athena Security's AI-powered walkthrough weapons detection system, protecting hospitals, K-12 schools, government buildings, places of worship, stadiums, event venues, and corporate campuses.