ODETICS INC
10-K, 1997-06-30
RADIO & TV BROADCASTING & COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT
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                                 UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
 
                                   FORM 10-K
 
       FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15(d)
                     OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(MARK ONE)
 
[X]  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
    SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                    FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1997
 
                                       OR
 
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
    SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
      FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM _______________ TO ________________

 
                          COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 000-10605
 
                                   ODETICS, INC.
               (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
                            ----------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                           <C>
                   DELAWARE                                     95-2588496
         (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION                        (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
      OF INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                    IDENTIFICATION NO.)
</TABLE>
 
            1515 SOUTH MANCHESTER AVENUE, ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA 92802
              (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)  (ZIP CODE)
 
       REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (714) 774-5000
                            ------------------------
 
        SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT: NONE
          SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT:
                      CLASS A COMMON STOCK, $.10 PAR VALUE
                      CLASS B COMMON STOCK, $.10 PAR VALUE
                                (TITLE OF CLASS)
 
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes [X]  No [ ]
 
     Indicate by a check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K.  [ ]
 
     Based on the closing sale price on Nasdaq National Market on June 26, 1997,
the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the
registrant was $66,746,740. For the purposes of this calculation, shares owned
by officers, directors and 10% stockholders known to the registrant have been
deemed to be owned by affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not
necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.
 
     As of June 26, 1997, there were 5,318,978 shares of Class A Common Stock
and 1,064,241 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding.
 
                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
     Part III incorporates certain information by reference from the
registrant's definitive proxy statement (the "Proxy Statement") for the Annual
Meeting of the Stockholders scheduled to be held on September 5, 1997.
================================================================================
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                                 ODETICS, INC.
 
                            FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
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                                       PART I
 ITEM 1.       BUSINESS.............................................................      1
 ITEM 2.       PROPERTIES...........................................................     12
 ITEM 3.       LEGAL PROCEEDINGS....................................................     12
 ITEM 4.       SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS..................     13
                                       PART II
 ITEM 5.       MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
               MATTERS..............................................................     13
 ITEM 6.       SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA..............................................     14
 ITEM 7.       MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
               RESULTS OF OPERATIONS................................................     15
 ITEM 8.       FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA..........................     18
 ITEM 9.       CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
               FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.................................................     18
                                      PART III
 ITEM 10.      DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT...................     18
 ITEM 11.      EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION...............................................     18
 ITEM 12.      SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.......     18
 ITEM 13.      CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.......................     18
                                       PART IV
 ITEM 14.      EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.....     19
</TABLE>
 
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     Note: When used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the information
incorporated herein by reference, the words "expect(s)," "feel(s),"
"believe(s)," "will," "may," "anticipate(s)," and similar expressions are
intended to identify forward-looking statement. Such statements are subject to
certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ
materially from those projected. Readers are cautioned not to place undue
reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date
hereof. Odetics, Inc. undertakes no obligation to republish revised
forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date
hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Readers are also
urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by the
Company which describe certain factors which affect the Company's business,
including the risk factors set forth at the end of Part I, Item 1 of this Report
and in Part II, Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations."
 
                                     PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
 
GENERAL
 
     Odetics, Inc. (the "Company") was founded in 1969 to supply digital
recorders for use in the United States space program. The Company pioneered new
designs and standards for digital magnetic tape recorders offering enhanced
performance in the adverse environments attendant to space flight, high
reliability and long product life. In the 1970s, the Company broadened its
information automation product line to include time-lapse video cassette
recorders for commercial and industrial security and surveillance applications.
Through the Company's Gyyr Division, it became a leading supplier of time-lapse
videotape cassette recorders, digital image processing modules and related
products used in security and surveillance systems.
 
     In the early 1980s, the Company set out to develop the technical expertise
to apply automation to new commercial applications. As part of its initial
development efforts, the Company built ODEX, a prototype six-legged walking
robot now part of the Smithsonian Institution's permanent collection of
historically significant technology. The Company established the Broadcast
Division which pioneered the use of large library cart machines in broadcast
television stations and satellite uplink operations. The Broadcast Division is a
leading supplier of broadcast automation control systems in the United States
 
     The success of the Company's cart machines led the Company to pursue new
applications for information automation technologies, and in 1990, the Company
teamed with E-Systems, Inc. ("E-Systems") to develop and provide a 19mm
automated tape cartridge handling subsystem for E-Systems' EMASS mainframe
computer tape library for the United States Government. In 1991, in a strategic
move to expand its business into new and potentially larger markets, the Company
introduced an automated tape handling subsystem for integration into tape
libraries designed for midrange computers and client/server networks employing
IBM 3480 and similar industry standard tape cartridges. In January 1993, the
Company formed a separate subsidiary, ATL Products Inc. ("ATL") to pursue the
market for automated tape libraries.
 
     On March 13, 1997, ATL completed an initial public offering of 1,650,000
shares of its Class A Common Stock. Upon completion of this offering, the
Company beneficially owned 82.9% of the outstanding Class A Common Stock of ATL.
The Company has announced that it intends to distribute (the "Distribution") to
its stockholders, prior to December 31, 1997, all of its shares of Class A
Common Stock of ATL, subject to certain conditions (including the receipt of a
favorable letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service concerning the
tax-free nature of the Distribution).
 
     The Company is a leading supplier of systems and subsystems to automate the
collection, storage, distribution and management of information. The Company's
business strategy is to focus on selected markets in which the Company may
utilize its expertise in electromechanical design, real-time software control
and highly reliable system implementations to produce superior products with a
sustainable competitive advantage, and to capture major market shares. The
Company's data storage products manage the vast amounts of data on computer
systems, automate television and cable station operations, record video
surveillance, store information gathered in space exploration and archive movies
for video on demand systems.
 
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<PAGE>   4
 
ATL PRODUCTS, INC.
 
     ATL designs, manufactures, markets and services automated magnetic tape
libraries used to manage, store and transfer data in networked computing
environments. ATL is a leading provider of Digital Linear Tape ("DLT") automated
tape libraries for the high end of the networked computing market (one terabyte
capacity and above). ATL's products provide a high performance, reliable, cost
effective and scalable storage solution for organizations requiring the backup,
archival and recovery of critical computer data.
 
     ATL's products incorporate DLT tape drives as well as ATL's proprietary
IntelliGrip cartridge handling system, providing end users with rapid and
reliable access to computer data across a wide variety of networks. ATL's
proprietary robotics system within each automated tape library provides
additional speed and reliability due to the accurate and timely manner in which
tape cartridges are loaded and unloaded into the DLT drives. ATL's products are
compatible with commonly used network operating systems, protocols and
topologies as well as with a broad range of storage management software. In
addition, these products are highly scalable and permit flexible configuration.
For example, ATL's 2640 Series is capable of storing 9.2 terabytes of data as a
standalone unit or up to 46 terabytes of data with the SystemLink Option, which
links up to five 2640 units together for larger storage requirements.
 
     ATL was established in 1990 as a division of the Company, was incorporated
in California in February 1993 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and
was reincorporated in Delaware in December 1996. ATL's executive offices are
located at 2801 Kelvin Avenue, Irvine, California 92614, and its telephone
number at that location is (714) 774-6900.
 
  Sales, Marketing and Principal Customers
 
     ATL markets and sells its products through indirect sales channels
comprised primarily of VARs and OEMs pursuant to strategic arrangements and
individual purchase agreements. Sales of new technological advancements are
often initially made through VARs who generally evaluate, integrate and adopt
new technology more quickly than OEMs. As a technology achieves greater market
acceptance, OEM sales generally have represented an increased portion of the
sales of the products incorporating that technology. During the year ended March
31, 1997, direct sales to VARs and OEMs accounted for approximately 67% and 33%,
respectively, of ATL's net sales. No single customer accounted for 10% of the
Company's total net sales and contract revenues.
 
     ATL has entered into agreements with several major OEMs, including, among
others, DEC, EMC and Sun Microsystems, who incorporate ATL's products into
systems sold by the OEMs. ATL has entered into strategic relationships with
certain of these OEMs which has enabled ATL to work with OEMs early in their
product development cycle thereby providing valuable development feedback to
ATL. The sales cycle for OEMs often encompasses a long lead time and generally
involves extensive product and system qualification, evaluation, integration and
verification. ATL believes the OEM channel is also critical to ATL's success
because OEMs have traditionally taken a more active role in the development,
support and servicing of ATL's products.
 
     From 1990 through the third quarter of fiscal 1995, ATL manufactured
certain automation subsystems utilizing 19mm technology exclusively for
E-Systems. In the third quarter of fiscal 1995, ATL announced that its
contractual relationship with E-Systems was deteriorating and it would incur
charges related to the loss of E-Systems business. On November 15, 1994, ATL
initiated an action against E-Systems alleging breach of contract. On May 22,
1996, the Company announced that it and ATL Products settled all pending
litigation with E-Systems, Inc. and EMASS, Inc. See "Item 3. Legal Proceedings"
for a further discussion of this litigation.
 
  Manufacturing and Materials
 
     ATL manufactures all of its tape libraries at its facility in Irvine,
California. ATL recently relocated its corporate headquarters and manufacturing
facilities to a new 120,000 square foot facility, of which
 
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approximately 50,000 square feet is attributed to manufacturing space. ATL
currently operates four assembly lines during one daily eight hour shift.
 
     ATL manufactures the robotics subassemblies used in its automated tape
libraries and performs final assembly and testing of purchased components. ATL's
manufacturing processes consist primarily of final systems integration and
quality assurance. ATL depends, to a large degree, on outside suppliers to
provide most of the components incorporated in ATL's products including the DLT
drives, circuit boards, moldings and chassis. While many of the parts and
components used in ATL's products are available from a number of fabricators in
California, the DLT drives are available only from a single supplier, Quantum
Corporation. Quantum may terminate its agreement with the Company for any reason
upon 90 days notice. Any disruption in ATL's relationship with such supplier or
any of ATL's other sole source suppliers would have a material adverse effect on
the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
BROADCAST DIVISION
 
     The Broadcast Division's video tape libraries automate the storage and
televising of commercials, news spots and other television programming recorded
on videotape cassettes. Automated video libraries increase labor efficiency by
automatically performing tape insertion and other filing tasks previously
performed manually or by machines with limited capacity and utility. The Company
believes that enhanced operational efficiencies are a principal factor
underlying the increased automation of broadcast television stations and
satellite uplink operations.
 
     The Broadcast Division's earliest commercial success in the manufacture of
video tape libraries was with the TCS2000 followed by the TCS90. The recent
market trend toward smaller libraries, coupled with digital hard disk recording
devices was led by the Company with the introduction of highly integrated
caching systems employing the Company's newest cart machine, the TCS45. The
TCS45 can be coupled with hard drive recorders available from several recognized
suppliers to the broadcast community. The Company now offers software to form
powerful integrated systems, including the MicroSpot(TM) and the SpotBank(TM).
 
     Multi-channel presentation systems, which integrate the complete line of
the Company's hardware with commonly available broadcast quality video disk
recorders, are quickly becoming the core business of the Broadcast Division.
 
  Sales, Marketing and Principal Customers
 
     The Broadcast Division sells directly to broadcast television stations,
satellite uplink operations, and other broadcast television and cable television
system operators. Sales and marketing management is located at the Company's
principal facilities in Anaheim, California, with a dedicated field sales force
of four persons operating in four U.S. sales regions plus a sales manager for
Latin America. European sales and marketing activities are conducted and managed
by Odetics Europe, Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Asia sales
and marketing activities are conducted by Odetics Asia Pacific Pte Ltd., a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company located in Singapore. Additional
representative organizations are utilized to promote the Broadcast Division's
products in various other foreign markets.
 
     Customers include major television networks such as the British
Broadcasting Corporation, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, CNBC/FNN, Euronews,
Televisa, Measat Broadcast Network Systems, NBC, the PBS Network, Group W
Satellite Communications (for the Arts & Entertainment Network and Discovery
Channel), Asia Broadcast Centre, Univision and over 100 independent and
network-affiliated television stations. The Broadcast Division has systems
installed in over 30 countries.
 
  Manufacturing and Materials
 
     The Broadcast Division maintains a dedicated manufacturing area located
within the Company's Anaheim, California facilities. The Company's SpotBank(TM)
and MicroSpot(TM) products are manufactured primarily on a lot assembly/module
build basis. At the Anaheim facility, the Broadcast Division and Gyyr
 
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Division share common infrastructure support in the areas of production and
inventory control, purchasing, quality assurance, manufacturing and engineering.
A single management structure oversees these operations.
 
     The Broadcast Division purchases cabinets and other fabricated parts and
components. The Broadcast Division purchases video servers from Tektronix, ASC
and Hewlett Packard along with video switching, conversion and monitoring
equipment from Tektronix and Leitch for installation in the Company's automated
video management systems.
 
GYYR, INC.
 
     During fiscal 1997, the Company formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Gyyr
Inc., a California corporation ("Gyyr") to operate the business of its former
Gyyr Division. Time-lapse VCRs are employed extensively in area monitoring by
banks, convenience stores, retailers and other businesses. Time-lapse VCRs are
frequently installed at automated teller machine ("ATM") and retail computerized
payment machine locations to record pictures of individuals making transactions
while simultaneously recording transaction information in an effort to deter and
address incidents of theft and other crimes at these locations. Customer demand
for more sophisticated capabilities, such as computer interfaces to record
transaction information simultaneously with video images, electronic processors
to record multiple cameras on one VCR and digital image processing and
enhancement, also have contributed to recent growth of the market for Gyyr's
products. The Company believes that many of the same market forces at work in
the United States exist in certain foreign markets as well and that, generally,
the international markets are growing as fast as in the United States. During
fiscal 1996, the Gyyr Division introduced a new line of time-lapse VCR's and a
new high performance FasTrans product family for communicating video and control
signals over telephone and newer broadband communication channels.
 
  Sales, Marketing and Principal Customers
 
     Gyyr markets and sells its products directly to its private label OEM
accounts. Gyyr personnel located at the Company's principal facilities also
oversee a network of approximately 2,500 security equipment dealers and
distributors throughout the United States and Canada who sell the Gyyr's
products to end users. Gyyr utilizes foreign representatives in South America,
Mexico and Asia and employs a business development and service staff through
Odetics Europe, Ltd., a wholly-owned United Kingdom subsidiary of the Company.
Odetics Europe, Ltd. assists Gyyr in its sales and marketing activities in
European markets. Gyyr also utilizes Odetics Asia Pacific Pte Ltd. to assist in
sales to the Asian markets. Gyyr's principal customers include major security
equipment companies such as Diebold, Inc., ADT Security Systems, Inc.,
Honeywell, Inc., Mosler, Inc., Hamilton Safe and other OEMs.
 
  Manufacturing and Materials
 
     Gyyr maintains a dedicated manufacturing area located within the Company's
principal facilities. Gyyr primarily uses continuous unit flow assembly lines.
Gyyr and the Broadcast Division share common infrastructure support in the areas
of production and inventory control, purchasing, quality assurance and
manufacturing engineering. A single management structure oversees these
operations.
 
     Gyyr purchases VCRs modified to the Company's specifications exclusively
through Nissei Sangyo America, the United States distribution affiliate of
Hitachi, Ltd., into which the Company incorporates certain value-added features.
The Company is vulnerable to changes in Hitachi, Ltd.'s basic VCR model, which
might necessitate changes in the design or manufacturing of Gyyr's products.
There are numerous other suppliers of VCRs suitable for use in Gyyr's products,
although certain changes in product design or manufacturing methods may be
required to accommodate such VCRs, and Gyyr could experience temporary delays or
interruptions in supply while such changes are incorporated or a new supplier is
procured.
 
COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION
 
     The Communications Division includes both telecommunications related
products and space borne digital data recorders. The telecommunications business
unit supplies products that synchronize telecommuni-
 
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cation and computer systems and products that provide an interface between the
public (WAN) network and private (LAN) networks.
 
     Odetics telecom synchronization products are sold for new applications in
cellular telephone systems and the new PCS networks being implemented throughout
the world. The principal customer of the Communications Division is LGIC of
Korea. The synchronization products are based on leading edge G.P.S.
technologies. Most product applications are in the latest CDMA networks.
 
     Odetics telecom interface products are sold to local exchange carriers,
interexchange carriers and local area network switch manufacturers. The product
offerings fall into two categories: interface boards and stand alone systems.
The interface boards are ATM and SONET based, and are sold primarily to other
telecom equipment manufacturers.
 
     The space business unit manufactures digital data recorders that are used
in manned and unmanned space vehicles to store data gathered by onboard sensors
prior to transmission of the data to ground receiving stations. These recorders
are employed in satellite programs for space research, earth resource and
environmental observation and weather monitoring, as well as global surveillance
and classified government programs.
 
  Sales, Marketing and Principal Customers
 
     The Communications Division conducts its selling and marketing activities
worldwide directly from the Company's principal facilities. During the fiscal
year ended March 31, 1997 approximately 38% of the Communications Division's
sales were derived from contracts with domestic or foreign governmental agencies
and prime government contractors.
 
  Manufacturing and Materials
 
     The Communications Division production capabilities fall into two
categories: commercial and space. The telecom business unit manufactures to best
commercial practices. The group became ISO certified in February 1997. Most of
the manufacturing operations are final assembly and test. Board assembly and
some preliminary fabrication processes are outsourced.
 
     The space production is designed for low volume, program-managed
manufacture, often with nonrecurring engineering for individual customer needs.
Because of these unique requirements, the space business unit has extensive
machining and electronic assembly capabilities in order to manage cost,
schedule, and quality levels to the unusual and exacting needs of its customers.
 
ODETICS CUSTOMER SERVICE DIVISION
 
     Prior to fiscal 1997, the Company's Customer Service Division ("OCS")
provided third party, on-site computer maintenance services as well as
maintenance and support services for ATL and Gyyr. The market for third party,
on-site computer maintenance services includes certain United States Government
installations and commercial businesses with large scale automated or electronic
document storage and retrieval systems. Effective December 31, 1996, the Company
reorganized its service operations. As part of this reorganization, OCS'
operations were divided between ATL and Gyyr, and merged into each respective
corporation.
 
CUSTOMER SUPPORT AND SERVICES
 
     The Company provides warranty service for each of its product lines, as
well as follow-on service and support for which the Company typically charges
separately. The Company also offers separate software maintenance agreements to
its customers. Management views customer support services as a critical
competitive factor as well as a revenue source. The Company maintains its own
service groups and trains its customers, representatives and distributors in the
performance of user level maintenance. Modular product designs with recommended
spare packages are used wherever feasible to minimize mean time to repair.
 
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BACKLOG
 
     The Company's backlog of unfulfilled firm orders was approximately $23.6
million as of March 31, 1997 and approximately $24.1 million at March 31, 1996.
Approximately 84.9% of the Company's backlog at March 31, 1996 was recognized as
revenues in fiscal 1997 and approximately 95.1% of the Company's backlog at
March 31, 1997 is expected to be recognized as revenues in fiscal 1998. Pursuant
to the customary terms of the Company's agreements with government contractors
and other customers, orders generally may be cancelled or rescheduled by the
customer. Lead times for the release of purchase orders depend upon the
scheduling and forecasting practices of the Company's individual customers,
which also can affect the timing of the conversion of the Company's backlog into
revenues. For these reasons, among others, the Company's backlog at a particular
date may not be indicative of its future revenues.
 
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
 
     The Company's business requires substantial ongoing research and
development expenditures and other product development activities. For fiscal
years 1995, 1996 and 1997, the Company incurred approximately $9.3 million, $7.0
million and $13.4 million, respectively, of Company sponsored research and
development costs and expenses, including reimbursable research and development
expenses of the Company allowed in the Company's negotiated general and
administrative rates on cost contracts with the United States Government. In
addition to the foregoing expenditures, the Company also conducts
customer-sponsored product development, principally for the United States
Government, under long-term contracts. The Company typically retains the right
to utilize resulting technological developments for its commercial markets.
Customer sponsored product development expenditures totalled approximately
$900,000, $0 and $0 during fiscal years ended March 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997,
respectively.
 
     The Company expects to continue to pursue significant product development
programs and incur significant research and development expenditures in all of
its principal product lines and services. These programs are directed toward
developing new products for advanced automated libraries as well as the
processing and distribution of digital images.
 
COMPETITION
 
     The Company faces significant competition in each of its targeted markets.
Certain of the Company's competitors have substantially greater financial,
technical, marketing and customer service resources than the Company. Increased
competition is likely to result in price reductions, reduced gross margins and
loss of market share, all of which could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. The principal
competitive factors in the markets in which the Company participates are product
quality and performance, price, reliability, upgradeability, service and
technical support.
 
     ATL competes directly, both domestically and internationally, with a number
of companies offering data storage products using various technologies,
including Sun Microsystems, Silicon Graphics, Compaq, Hewlett Packard and
others. The Company believes eight tape library manufacturers currently provide
DLT based products, including ATL's principal competitors, ADIC, Breece Hill
Technologies, Hewlett-Packard and StorageTek. ATL competes indirectly with a
large number of manufacturers offering tape storage systems using formats other
than DLT including 8mm, 4mm (DAT), 3480 and QIC that have larger installed bases
and may be expected to continue to provide intense competition for the DLT
format. These competitors include ADIC, Exabyte, Fujitsu, Hitachi, IBM, Spectra
Logic and StorageTek. ATL anticipates these competitors will expand the
functionality and performance of their selected storage technologies to compete
effectively with DLT.
 
     The Broadcast Division's primary competitors include Sony, Panasonic, Avid,
Louth and Pro-bel. Sony and Panasonic are large, international suppliers of
extensive professional quality products, including cart machines, for the
broadcast television market. Avid competes in the area of disk based video
server products, principally against the Broadcast Division's SpotBank products.
Louth and Probel principally provide automation control for video libraries and
disk recorders. The Broadcast Division's products compete primarily
 
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on the basis of product features, including their capacity to accommodate
broadcast quality VCRs from all manufacturers, which is unique among product
offerings in this market.
 
     Gyyr's principal competitors for time-lapse VCRs are Panasonic, Toshiba,
Sanyo and Sony all of which have far greater name recognition, marketing and
other resources than the Company. Numerous other companies, including Japanese
and other offshore vendors of VCRs, also offer competitive products. Management
believes that Gyyr's products compete primarily on the basis of their
value-added features, including those relating to digital image processing.
 
     The primary competition for the Communications Division's network
synchronization products is Datum, Inc. The Communications Division's space tape
recorder market, the Company competes with General Electric Corporation,
Lockheed Corporation, and Schlumberger, S.A. An additional competitive factor in
this market is space flight experience; however, with the advent of solid state
recorders the Company may face new competitors. The Communications Divisions
emerging network interface products are addressing market niches.
 
     The market for the Company's products is highly competitive and is
characterized by rapidly changing technology and evolving standards. The Company
believes that its ability to compete depends on a number of factors, including
the success and timing of new product development by the Company and its
competitors, compatibility of the Company's products with a broad range of
computing systems, product performance, reliability and price, and customer
support. The Company believes that the principal competitive factors in the
networked computing market are storage capacity, data transfer rate, low cost of
ownership, price, product quality and reliability, timing of new product
introductions and ability to meet customer volume needs.
 
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND PROPRIETARY RIGHTS
 
     The Company's ability to compete effectively depends in part on its ability
to develop and maintain the proprietary aspects of its technology. The Company's
policy is to obtain appropriate proprietary rights protection for any
potentially significant new technology acquired or developed by the Company. The
Company currently holds a number of United States and foreign patents and
trademarks. The patents will expire at various dates through 2012. The Company
also has pending a number of United States and foreign patent applications
relating to certain of its products; however, there can be no assurance that any
patents will be granted pursuant to these applications.
 
     In addition to patent laws, the Company relies on copyright and trade
secret laws to protect its proprietary rights. The Company attempts to protect
its trade secrets and other proprietary information through agreements with
customers and suppliers, proprietary information agreements with the Company's
Associates (as hereinafter defined) and consultants and other similar measures.
There can be no assurance, however, that the Company will be successful in
protecting its proprietary rights.
 
     While management believes its patents, patent applications, software and
other proprietary know-how have value, changing technology makes the Company's
future success dependent principally upon its Associates' technical competence
and creative skills for continuing innovation. Litigation may be necessary in
the future to enforce the Company's proprietary rights, to determine the
validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others, or to defend the Company
against claims of infringement or invalidity by others. An adverse outcome in
such litigation or similar proceedings could subject the Company to significant
liabilities to third parties, require disputed rights to be licensed from others
or require the Company to cease marketing or using certain products, any of
which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial
condition and results of operations. In addition, the cost of addressing any
intellectual property litigation claim, both in legal fees and expenses and the
diversion of management resources, regardless of whether the claim is valid,
could be significant and could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
results of operations.
 
ASSOCIATES
 
     The Company refers to its employees as Associates. As of June 10, 1997, the
Company employed 630 Associates, including 115 Associates in general management,
administration and finance; 67 Associates in
 
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sales and marketing; 180 Associates in product development; 213 Associates in
operations, manufacturing and quality; and 55 Associates in customer service.
None of the Company's Associates is represented by a labor union and the Company
has not experienced a work stoppage.
 
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
 
     The Company's manufacturing operations are subject to various federal,
state and local laws, including those restricting the discharge of materials
into the environment. The Company is not involved in any pending or threatened
proceedings which would require curtailment of its operations because of such
regulations. The Company continually expends funds to assure that its facilities
are in compliance with applicable environmental regulations. However, such
expenditures have not been significant in the past and no significant future
expenditures are expected.
 
     From time to time, a portion of the Company's work relating to the Odetics'
digital data recorders may constitute classified United States government
information or may be used in classified programs of the United States
Government. For this purpose, the Company and certain Associates possess
relevant security clearances. The Company's affected facilities and operations
are subject to security regulations of the United States Government. The Company
believes it is in full compliance with these regulations.
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   11
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     The Company's business is subject to a number of risks, some of which are
discussed below. Other risks are presented elsewhere in this Report. The
following risks should be considered carefully in addition to the other
information contained in this Report in evaluating the Company and its business
before purchasing the shares of the Company's Common Stock.
 
     Fluctuations in Quarterly Operating Results. The Company has experienced
wide fluctuations in quarterly and annual operating results in the past and may
continue to experience fluctuations in the future based on a number of factors,
not all of which are in the Company's control. These factors include, without
limitation, the size and timing of significant customer orders; the introduction
of new products by competitors; the availability of components used in the
manufacture of the Company's products; the expenditure of substantial funds for
research and development for its subsidiaries and divisions; changes in pricing
policies by the Company, its suppliers or its competitors and increased price
competition; the ability of the Company to develop, introduce, market and gain
market acceptance of new products, applications and product enhancements in a
timely manner and to control costs; the Company's success in expanding and
implementing its sales and marketing programs; technological changes in the
networked computing market and the other markets in which the Company operates;
the reduction in revenues from government programs; the relatively thin level of
backlog at any given time; the mix of sales among the Company's channels;
deferrals of customer orders in anticipation of new products, applications or
product enhancements; currency fluctuations; and general economic and market
conditions. Moreover, the Company's sales in any quarter typically consist of a
relatively small number of large customer orders, and the timing of a small
number of orders can impact quarter to quarter results. The loss of or a
substantial reduction in orders from any significant customer could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations. The Company's growth in revenues in recent periods may
not be sustainable and may not be indicative of future operating results, and
there can be no assurance that the Company will continue to achieve
profitability on a quarterly or annual basis in the future. Due to all of the
foregoing factors and other risks discussed below, it is possible that in some
future period the Company's operating results may be below the expectations of
analysts and investors. In such event, the market price of the Company's
securities would probably be materially and adversely affected.
 
     Dependence on Sole Source Suppliers. The Company purchases numerous parts,
supplies and other components used in its products from various independent
suppliers, some of whom are the sole supplier for certain parts and components.
ATL currently derives substantially all of its revenues from the sale of its DLT
based products and related services. Quantum Corporation, which has the
exclusive worldwide manufacturing rights for the DLT technology, is the sole
supplier of the DLT tape drives used in ATL's products. Quantum has informed ATL
that the growth in the demand for the DLT7000 drives will result in continued
limitations in the availability of these drives. ATL does not expect that its
indicated allocation of DLT7000 drives will have a material adverse effect on
its results of operations in the near future. The foregoing statement is
intended to be a forward-looking statement and actual results may differ as a
result of the factors set forth in this paragraph. There can be no assurance
that Quantum will not revise its allocation to ATL or that Quantum will
otherwise continue to provide an adequate supply of the DLT7000 drives. The
Company also currently relies on single supplier for the principal component of
the GYYR's time-lapse videotape cassette recorders. The Company has not been
able to secure any guarantee of the future supply of its sole sourced
components. The disruption or termination of the supply of any of the Company's
source sourced components for any reason would have a material adverse effect on
the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
     Rapid Technological Change; Effect of New Product Introductions. The
markets served by the Company are characterized by rapid technological advances,
downward price pressure in the marketplace as technologies mature, changes in
customer requirements, frequent new product introductions and enhancements, and
evolving industry standards. The Company's business requires substantial ongoing
research and development efforts and expenditures, and its future success will
depend on its ability to enhance its current products, reduce product costs and
develop and introduce new products which incorporate the latest technological
advancements in hardware, storage media, operating system software and
applications software in response to
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   12
 
evolving customer requirements. The Company's failure to anticipate or respond
adequately to technological developments and changing customer requirements, the
occurrence of significant delays in new product development or introduction or
the failure of any new products to gain market acceptance could impair the
Company's competitiveness and could materially and adversely affect the
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. There can be
no assurance that the Company will be able to introduce new products or
enhancements to existing products on a timely basis, if at all, or the effect to
which such introductions will have on sales of existing products. To the extent
new products are introduced, they may contain undetected design faults and
software errors, or "bugs," when first released by the Company that, despite
testing by the Company, are discovered only after a product has been installed
and used by customers. Although the Company has not experienced any material
adverse effect resulting from any such faults or errors to date, there can be no
assurance that faults or errors in the Company's existing products or in new
products introduced by the Company will not be discovered in the future, causing
delays in product introduction and shipments or requiring design modifications
that could adversely affect the Company's competitive position and results of
operations.
 
     Competition. The Company competes in each of its markets with numerous
other companies, many of which have far greater name recognition and financial,
technological, marketing and customer service resources than the Company and may
be able to respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies and changes in
customer requirements, or devote greater resources to the development,
promotion, sale and support of their products than the Company. The principal
competitive factors in the markets in which the Company participates are product
quality and performance, price, reliability, upgradeability, service and
technical support. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to
compete effectively in the markets for its products. Increased competition is
likely to result in price reductions, reduced gross margins and loss of market
share, any of which could have a material adverse affect upon the Company's
business, operating results and financial condition.
 
     Risks Associated with International Sales. International product sales
represented approximately 12% and 17% of the Company's total net sales and
contract revenues during fiscal 1996 and 1997, respectively. The Company
believes that international sales will continue to represent a significant
portion of its revenues, and that continued growth and profitability will
require further expansion of its international operations. The Company's
international sales are currently denominated primarily in U.S. dollars, and an
increase in the relative value of the dollar could make the Company's products
more expensive and, therefore, potentially less price competitive in
international markets. Additional risks inherent in international business
activities generally include unexpected changes in regulatory requirements,
tariffs and other trade barriers, longer accounts receivable payment cycles,
difficulties in managing and staffing international operations, potentially
adverse tax consequences including restrictions on the repatriation of earnings,
the burdens of compliance with a wide variety of foreign laws, currency
fluctuations and political and economical instability. The Company does not
engage in any transactions as a hedge against risks of loss due to foreign
currency fluctuations. There can be no assurance that such factors will not have
a material adverse effect on the Company's future international sales and,
consequently, the Company's business, operating results and financial condition.
Furthermore, as the Company increases its international sales, its total
revenues may also be affected to a greater extent by seasonal fluctuations
resulting from lower sales that typically occur during the summer months in
Europe and other parts of the world.
 
     Dependence on Key Personnel. The Company's future performance depends to a
significant extent on its senior management and other key employees, in
particular Joel Slutzky, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, and Kevin C.
Daly, Ph.D., the Chief Executive Officer of ATL. The loss of the services of
either Mr. Slutzky or Dr. Daly would have a material adverse effect on the
Company's development and marketing efforts. The Company's future success will
also depend in large part upon its ability to attract, retain and motivate
highly skilled employees. In addition, the Company is actively seeking to retain
a successor chief financial officer for ATL. Competition for such employees,
particularly development engineers and an experienced chief financial officer,
is intense, and there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to
continue to attract and retain sufficient numbers of such highly skilled
employees. The Company's inability to
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   13
 
attract and retain additional key employees or the loss of one or more of its
current key employees could have a material adverse effect upon the Company's
business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
     Dependence on Proprietary Technology; Risks of Infringement. The Company's
ability to compete effectively depends in part on its ability to develop and
maintain proprietary aspects of its technology which the Company attempts to
protect with a combination of patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret
laws, employee and third party nondisclosure agreements and similar means. Such
rights may not preclude competitors from developing substantially equivalent or
superior products to the Company's products. In addition, the laws of some
foreign countries do not protect the Company's proprietary rights as fully as do
the laws of the United States. There can be no assurance that the Company's
means of protecting its proprietary rights in the United States or abroad will
be adequate, that future patents will be issued, or that competitors will not
independently develop technologies that are similar or superior to the Company's
technology, duplicate the Company's technology, or design around any patent of
the Company. Moreover, litigation may be necessary in the future to enforce the
Company's intellectual property rights, to determine the validity and scope of
the proprietary rights of others, or to defend the Company against claims of
infringement or invalidity by others. An adverse outcome in such litigation or
similar proceedings could subject the Company to significant liabilities to
third parties, require disputed rights to be licensed from others or require the
Company to cease marketing or using certain products, any of which could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations. If the Company is required to obtain licenses under
patents or proprietary rights of others, there can be no assurance that any
required licenses would be made available on terms acceptable to the Company, if
at all. In addition, the cost of addressing any intellectual property litigation
claim, both in legal fees and expenses and the diversion of management
resources, regardless of whether the claim is valid, could be significant and
could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.
 
     Volatility of Stock Price. The trading price of the Company's Common Stock
could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to quarterly variations in
operating results, shortages announced by suppliers, announcements of
technological innovations or new products, applications or product enhancements
by the Company or its competitors, changes in financial estimates by securities
analysts and other events or factors. In addition, the stock market has
experienced volatility which has particularly affected the market prices of
equity securities of many high technology companies and which often has been
unrelated to the operating performance of such companies. These broad market
fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of the Company's securities.
 
     Concentration of Ownership. As of June 26, 1997, the Company's officers and
directors beneficially owned a majority of the total combined voting power of
the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. As a
result of their stock ownership, management will be able to significantly
influence the election of the Company's directors and the outcome of corporate
actions requiring stockholder approval, such as mergers and acquisitions,
regardless of how other stockholders of the Company may vote. This concentration
of voting control may have a significant effect in delaying, deferring or
preventing a change in management or change in control of the Company and may
adversely affect the voting or other rights of other holders of Common Stock.
 
     Pending Distribution. The Company has announced its intention to distribute
to its stockholders all of its shares of ATL Class A Common Stock prior to
December 31, 1997, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions
(including the receipt by the Company of a favorable tax ruling from the
Internal Revenue Service confirming the tax-free nature of the Distribution). No
assurance can be given, however, that such conditions will be satisfied or
waived, or that the Distribution will occur. For the Distribution to occur, the
Board of Directors of the Company must conclude, at the time of the
Distribution, that the Distribution is in the best interest of the stockholders
of the Company. Failure to undertake the Distribution could materially and
adversely affect the market price of the Company's securities.
 
     Anti-Takeover Effect of Charter Provisions, Bylaws and Stock Structure. The
Company has two classes of Common Stock which are substantially identical other
than with respect to voting power. The Class A Common Stock offered hereby
entitles the holder to 1/10th vote per share and Class B Common Stock
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   14
 
entitles the holder to one vote per share, with concentration of ownership of
the Class B Common Stock in the Company's officers and directors and their
affiliates. In addition, the Company's Board of Directors is elected annually on
a split vote basis, with the holders of Class A Common Stock currently being
entitled to elect two of the directors and holders of the Class B Common Stock
currently being entitled to elect the remaining six directors. These provisions
could have the effect of discouraging a proxy contest or making it more
difficult for a third party acquiring a substantial block of the Company's
Common Stock to effect a change in management and control of the Company. Such
provisions also could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in
the future for shares of the Company's Common Stock.
 
     The Board of Directors of the Company is authorized to issue, without
stockholder approval, up to 2,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock with voting,
conversion and other rights and preferences, as well as additional shares of
Common Stock, which could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of
the holders of Class A Common Stock. Although the Company has no current plans
to issue any shares of Preferred Stock or additional shares of Common Stock
other than the Class A Common Stock offered hereby, the future issuance of
Preferred Stock or Common Stock or of rights to purchase Preferred Stock or
Common Stock could be used to discourage an unsolicited acquisition proposal.
 
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
 
     The Company's headquarters and principal operations are located in Anaheim,
California. In 1984, the Company purchased and renovated a three building
complex containing approximately 250,000 square feet situated on approximately
14.1 acres adjacent to the Interstate 5 freeway one block from Disneyland. These
Company-owned facilities house the Company's corporate and administrative
offices (approximately 43,000 dedicated square feet), as well as Gyyr and the
Broadcast Division, (approximately 87,000 dedicated square feet), the
Communications Division (approximately 67,000 dedicated square feet), OCS
Division (approximately 15,000 dedicated square feet), until March 1997 ATL
(approximately 50,000 dedicated square feet). Commencing in March 1997, ATL
leased an additional 120,000 square foot facility in Irvine, California under a
lease which expires in October 2003. ATL has an option to extend the lease for
an additional five year period. The base rent for ATL's new facility is $65,000
per month.
 
     The Communications Division leases approximately 4,500 square feet of space
in a manufacturing facility located on 0.62 acre in El Paso, Texas. The
Broadcast Division leases approximately 5,000 square feet in Austin, Texas to
manufacture certain product families. Odetics Europe Limited's offices are
located in leased space near London, England. Odetics Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.
offices are located in leased space in Singapore.
 
     The Company currently is operating a single shift in its manufacturing and
assembly facilities and it believes that its facilities are adequate for its
current needs and for possible future growth. However, the Company may elect to
expand or relocate its offices and facilities in the future.
 
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
 
     On May 22, 1996, the Company announced that it and ATL Products settled all
pending litigation with E-Systems, Inc. and EMASS, Inc. (collectively,
"E-Systems"). The settlement was effected pursuant to a written Settlement
Agreement and General Release between the parties, under which E-Systems paid
the Company approximately $6.1 million, including an amount designated as a
royalty payment on library systems sold by E-Systems which the Company alleged
infringed on its patented technology. See "Management's Discussion of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations." For its part, the Company agreed for a
period of five years to provide spare parts and certain other customer support
services for the installed base of DataTowers that the Company previously sold
to E-Systems. The parts and services generally will be provided in accordance
with Odetics' general terms and conditions, less a specified discount. The
Company also has agreed to refurbish nine ATL 2640 Series in E-Systems'
possession and to pay to E-Systems any profits (net of refurbishment and sales
costs) realized by the Company from the sale of the refurbished units and to
deliver to E-Systems certain inventories of parts and supplies.
 
     The Company brought an action against Storage Technology Corporation
("StorageTek") in the Eastern District Court of Virginia alleging that
StorageTek had infringed the Company's patent covering robotics tape
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   15
 
cassette handling systems (United States Patent No. 4,779,151). StorageTek
counterclaimed alleging that the Company infringed several of StorageTek's
patents. Prior to trial, the court dismissed two of the infringement claims
against the Company and the third clam was resolved between the parties. In
January 1996, the jury determined that the patent claims were not infringed
under the doctrine of equivalents based upon a claim construction defined by the
court prior to the trial. The jury also concluded that the Company's patent was
not invalid. In June 1997, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal
Circuit vacated the lower court's claim construction and findings of
noninfringement of the Company's patent. The appellate court remanded the case
for consideration of infringement under a proper claim construction.
 
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
 
     No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth
quarter of fiscal 1997.
 
                                    PART II
 
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
 
     The Company's Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock are traded on
the Nasdaq National Market under the symbols "ODETA" and "ODETB," respectively.
The following table sets forth for the fiscal periods indicated the high and low
sale prices for the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock as reported by
the Nasdaq National Market:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          CLASS A             CLASS B
                                                        COMMON STOCK       COMMON STOCK
                                                       --------------     ---------------
                                                       HIGH      LOW      HIGH       LOW
                                                       -----     ----     -----     -----
        <S>                                            <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>
        Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 1996
          First Quarter..............................  $ 5 1/2   $ 4      $ 5 3/4    $ 4 3/4
          Second Quarter.............................    6 7/8     4 1/2    6 1/2      5
          Third Quarter..............................   10         6 1/2   10 1/4      6 1/2
          Fourth Quarter.............................   10 1/8     6 3/4   10          6 3/8
 
        Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 1997
          First Quarter..............................  $21         6 1/4   20          6 5/8
          Second Quarter.............................   16 1/4     6 3/4   16 1/2      8 1/4
          Third Quarter..............................   17 3/4    11 1/2   17 1/2     12
          Fourth Quarter.............................   23 1/4    11 3/4   22 1/4     13 3/4
</TABLE>
 
     As of June 26, 1997, the Company had 670 holders of record of Class A
Common Stock and 195 holders of record of Class B Common Stock according to
information furnished by the Company's transfer agent.
 
DIVIDEND POLICY
 
     Pursuant to the terms of the Company's Loan and Security Agreement with its
banks, the Company is restricted in declaring cash dividends on its Common Stock
in an amount not to exceed in any fiscal year 10% of the Company's consolidated
net income for the prior fiscal year. The Company never paid or declared cash
dividends on its Common Stock, and has no current plans to pay such dividends in
the foreseeable future. The Company currently intends to retain any earnings for
working capital and general corporate purposes. The payment of any future
dividends will be at the discretion of the Company's Board of directors, and
will depend upon a number of factors, including, but not limited to, future
earnings, the success of the Company's business, activities, its capital
requirements, the general financial condition and future prospects of the
Company, general business conditions, the consent of the Company's principal
lender and such other factors as the Board may deem relevant.
 
RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
 
     Since April 1, 1994, the Company has not sold any unregistered securities.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   16
 
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
 
     The following selected consolidated financial data with respect to the
Company's consolidated statement of operations for each of the five fiscal years
in the period ended March 31, 1997 and the consolidated balance sheet data at
March 31, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997 are derived from the audited
consolidated financial statements of the Company. The consolidated financial
statements and the related report of independent auditors for the fiscal years
ended March 31, 1993 and 1994 and the Company's consolidated balance sheet at
March 31, 1995 are not included in this Report. The following information should
be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" and with the Consolidated Financial
Statements of the Company and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in
this Report.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
                                                 -------------------------------------------------
                                                  1993      1994      1995       1996       1997
                                                 -------   -------   -------   --------   --------
                                                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                              <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net sales......................................  $48,487   $66,063   $74,465   $ 94,466   $131,776
Contract revenues..............................   20,825    18,099    13,280     10,161      9,032
                                                 -------   -------   -------   --------   --------
Total net sales and contract revenues..........   69,312    84,162    87,745    104,627    140,808
Cost of sales..................................   33,668    44,281    51,148     63,398     84,096
Cost of contract revenues......................   13,967    11,114     6,633      4,374      4,907
Selling, general and administrative expense....   14,169    17,162    20,899     23,678     30,293
Research and development expense...............    5,187     7,268     9,309      6,973     13,420
Nonrecurring charge............................       --        --     4,809         --         --
Interest expense...............................    2,125     1,772     1,925      2,247      1,890
Minority interest..............................       --        --        --         --         53
                                                 -------   -------   -------   --------   --------
Income (loss) before income taxes..............      196     2,565    (6,978)     3,957      6,149
Income tax expense (benefit)...................       55       743   $(2,300)     1,504      2,419
                                                 -------   -------   -------   --------   --------
New income (loss)..............................  $   141   $ 1,822   $(4,678)  $  2,453   $  3,730
                                                 =======   =======   =======   ========   ========
Net income (loss) per common share.............  $   .03   $   .34   $  (.80)  $    .40   $    .55
                                                 =======   =======   =======   ========   ========
Weighted average number of common shares.......    4,529     5,326     5,872      6,179      6,627
                                                 =======   =======   =======   ========   ========
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  AS OF MARCH 31,
                                                 -------------------------------------------------
                                                  1993      1994      1995       1996       1997
                                                 -------   -------   -------   --------   --------
                                                                  (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                              <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital................................  $23,636   $29,062   $32,733   $ 30,390   $ 39,176
Total assets...................................   55,124    65,928    72,358     78,811    100,938
Long term debt (less current portion)..........   24,413    16,723    25,757     22,019     11,860
Retained earnings..............................    8,884    10,706     6,027      8,481     12,211
Total stockholders' equity.....................   19,213    31,239    27,736     30,985     51,828
</TABLE>
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   17
 
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     The Company specializes in the design and manufacture of systems and
subsystems to automate the collection, storage, distribution and management of
information. The Company is organized into separate divisions or subsidiaries,
each having primary responsibility for product development, manufacturing and
marketing of one or more of the Company's principal product lines or services.
The Company has four distinct manufacturing operations each tailored to the
requirements of its principal product divisions.
 
     The following table sets forth certain income statement data as a
percentage of total net sales and contract revenues for the periods indicated
and should be read in conjunction with Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
                                                              -------------------------
                                                              1995      1996      1997
                                                              -----     -----     -----
        <S>                                                   <C>       <C>       <C>
        Net sales...........................................   84.9%     90.3%     93.6%
        Contract revenues...................................   15.1       9.7       6.4
                                                              -----     -----     -----
                                                              100.0     100.0     100.0
        Gross profit........................................   34.2      35.2      36.8
        Expenses:
          Selling, general and administrative...............   23.8      22.6      21.5
          Research and development..........................   10.6       6.7       9.5
          Nonrecurring charge...............................    5.5        --        --
          Interest expense..................................    2.2       2.1       1.4
          Minority interest.................................     --        --        --
                                                              -----     -----     -----
        Total expenses......................................   42.1      31.4      32.4
                                                              -----     -----     -----
        Income (loss) before income taxes...................   (7.9)      3.8       4.4
        Income taxes (benefit)..............................   (2.6)      1.5       1.7
                                                              -----     -----     -----
        Net income (loss)...................................   (5.3)%     2.3%      2.7%
</TABLE>
 
     Net Sales and Contract Revenues. Total net sales and contract revenues
increased 34.6% to $140.8 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997
("fiscal 1997") as compared to $104.6 million for the fiscal year ended March
31, 1996 ("fiscal 1996"), and increased 19.3% in fiscal 1996 from $87.7 million
for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1995 ("fiscal 1995"). Net sales increased
39.5% to $131.8 million in fiscal 1997 from $94.5 million in fiscal 1996
primarily due to an increase in ATL's net sales which reflected continued growth
in its DLT based products and included the initial shipments in the fourth
quarter of fiscal 1997 of its new 7100 Series tape libraries. The Company also
experienced growth in sales of its telecommunication products in fiscal 1997
largely due to increased unit sales of its synchronization products for cellular
telephone systems and sales of its LIMO family of products for telecommunication
interfaces. Gyyr experienced a 12.5% increase in net sales in fiscal 1997 as
compared to fiscal 1996 while the Company's Broadcast Division's net sales
decreased 15% as compared to the prior fiscal year.
 
     The Company's net sales in increased 26.9% to $94.5 million in fiscal 1996
from $74.5 million in fiscal 1995 due in large part to sales growth in all
divisions involved in commercial product sales, particularly in the Company's
Broadcast Division. The Broadcast Division's 59.9% increase in net sales from
fiscal 1996 as compared to fiscal 1995 reflected an increase in shipments of its
SpotBank(TM), Cache Machine(TM) and TCS 45(TM) systems, as well as additional
revenue attributable to upgrades for previously sold systems. ATL's 29.9%
increase in net sales in fiscal 1996 as compared to fiscal 1995 was primarily
due to an increase in sales of its 520 Series and 2640 Series product lines in
both the domestic and European markets through Odetics Europe Limited, a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company which more than offset the loss of 19mm
tape library products that were discontinued in fiscal 1995.
 
     The Company's contract revenues are comprised of revenues from government
contracts and declined 11.8% to $9.0 million in fiscal 1997 from $10.2 million
in fiscal 1996, and declined 23.5% in fiscal 1996 from
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   18
 
$13.3 million in fiscal 1995. The declines in fiscal 1997 and fiscal 1996 are
primarily due to changes in government spending patterns and a transition by the
Company from certain government markets to commercial activities.
 
     Gross Profit. Total gross profit increased to 36.8% in fiscal 1997 as
compared to 35.2% in fiscal 1996 and 34.2% in fiscal 1995. The increase in total
gross profit in fiscal 1997 as compared to fiscal 1996 reflects ATL's improved
gross profit margin which was primarily attributable to improved absorption of
manufacturing overhead over continued increases in sales of DLT based products
as well as reductions in materials for ATL's products. The increase in total
gross profit in fiscal 1996 as compared to fiscal 1995 is due in large part to
an increase in ATL's gross profit on product sales to 36.8% in fiscal 1996 from
22.8% in fiscal 1995 as ATL completed its first fiscal year selling primarily
DLT based products which generated improved margins as compared to the margins
on 19mm products which accounted for approximately one-third of ATL's sales
revenues in fiscal 1995. The increase in gross profit in fiscal 1997 was
partially offset by reduced margins on certain large international sales to a
single customer in the Broadcast Division. The Company's increase in gross
profit in fiscal 1996 also reflected an overall commercial products sales mix
that favored new products with higher gross profits.
 
     Selling, General and Administrative Expense. Selling, general and
administrative expense increased 27.9% to $30.3 million in fiscal 1997 (or 21.5%
of total net sales and contract revenues) from $23.7 million (or 22.6% of total
net sales and contract revenues) and increased 13.3% in fiscal 1996 as compared
to $20.9 million (or 23.8% of total net sales and contract revenues) in fiscal
1995. The dollar increase in fiscal 1997 primarily reflects the Company's
efforts to expand its sales and marketing capabilities through infrastructure
growth which included higher sales commissions associated with increased sales,
as well as increased expenditures for advertising, promotion and labor costs
associated with the Company's increased commercial sales and marketing
activities. The dollar increase in selling, general and administrative expense
in fiscal 1996 was due in large part to professional fees related to the
E-Systems litigation and increased expenses related to expanding foreign
operations in Odetics Europe, Limited, and Odetics Asia Pacific, Pte., Ltd.
 
     Research and Development Expense. Research and development expense
increased 91.4% to $13.4 million (or 9.5% of total net sales and contract
revenues) in fiscal 1997 as compared to $7.0 million in fiscal 1996 (or 6.7% of
total net sales and contract revenues), and declined 25.1% in fiscal 1996 as
compared to $9.3 million (or 10.6% of total net sales and contract revenues) in
fiscal 1995. The increase in research and development expense in fiscal 1997
primarily reflects additional engineering and labor costs, consulting fees,
prototype materials costs and other costs associated with the development,
testing and preproduction activities for ATL's 7100 Series and Prism products
and the incorporation of the new DLT7000 tape drive into ATL's current products.
The increase in research and development expense in fiscal 1997 also reflected
additional expenditures related to new product development in Gyyr and the
Communications Division. The decline in research and development expense in
fiscal 1996 as compared to fiscal 1995, both in terms of absolute dollars and as
a percentage of total net sales and contract revenues, reflects the effect of
the completion of certain major research and development programs in fiscal 1995
and certain cost reduction measures implemented during the second half of fiscal
1995. The Company expects expenditures for research and development generally to
increase over time and to be higher during periods of new product development
when significant expenditures are incurred in preproduction activities and
increased testing. These expenditures may, therefore, continue to fluctuate as a
percentage of total net sales and contract revenues from period to period.
 
     Minority Interest. On March 13, 1997, the Company completed an initial
public offering of 1,650,000 shares of Class A Common Stock of ATL, which
reduced the Company's beneficial ownership of ATL to 82.9%. The $53,000 minority
interest represents the ATL stockholders' portion of ATL's net income for the
period of time their shares were outstanding during fiscal 1997. The Company
intends to effect the Distribution prior to December 31, 1997, subject to the
satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions (including the receipt of a
favorable letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service concerning the
tax-free nature of the Distribution).
 
     Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased approximately 15.9% to $1.9
million in fiscal 1997 as compared to $2.2 million in fiscal 1996, and increased
16.7% from $1.9 million in fiscal 1995. The decrease in
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   19
 
fiscal 1997 as compared to fiscal 1996 was primarily due to overall lower
average borrowings, while the increase in interest expense in fiscal 1996 as
compared to fiscal 1995 reflected an overall higher average borrowings under the
Company's line of credit and increased cost of borrowings.
 
     Income Taxes. The Company's effective income tax rate was 39.3%, 38.0% and
33.0% in fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The Company's recognition of
general business credits reduced the Company's effective tax rates below the
statutory rates. The increase in the effective tax rate for fiscal 1997 is due
to a reduction in the effect of general business tax credits on total income tax
expense.
 
     The Company entered into a Tax Allocation Agreement with ATL effective
April 1, 1996, pursuant to which ATL will make a payment to the Company, or the
Company will make a payment to ATL, as appropriate, in an amount equal to the
taxes attributable to the operations of the Company on its consolidated federal
income tax returns and consolidated or combined state tax returns. In addition,
the Tax Allocation Agreement provides that members of the Company's consolidated
group generating tax losses after April 1, 1996 will be paid by other members of
the group which utilize such tax losses to reduce such other members' tax
liability.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
     The Company's net income of $3.7 million in fiscal 1997, as adjusted for
noncash charges of depreciation and amortization and a net reduction in
operating assets and liabilities, contributed to $7.8 million net cash provided
by operating activities during the year. The cash flow provided by operating
activities was primarily used for the purchase of fixed assets and payments for
the reduction of long term borrowings. During fiscal 1997, the Company settled
its litigation with E-Systems (see "Item 3. Legal Proceedings"), pursuant to
which E-Systems paid $6.2 million to the Company.
 
     The Company has a $17.0 million bank line of credit with Imperial Bank and
Comerica Bank-California which provides for borrowings generally at the lessor
of the bank's prime rate (8.5% at March 31, 1997) or the bank's LIBOR rate plus
2.25%. Borrowings are available for general working capital purposes, and at
March 31, 1997, approximately $14.6 million was available for borrowing under
the line. The Company's borrowings under the line of credit are secured by
substantially all of the Company's assets, other than the assets of ATL. At
March 31, 1997, $2.1 million was outstanding under this line of credit.
 
     In March 1997, ATL entered into a separate $5.0 million line of credit with
Imperial Bank which provides for borrowings generally at the lessor of the
bank's prime rate (8.5% at March 31, 1997) or the bank's LIBOR rate plus 2.25%.
No amounts were outstanding under this line of credit as of March 31, 1997.
ATL's borrowings under the line of credit are secured by substantially all of
the ATL's assets.
 
     In April 1997, ATL entered into a promissory note payable to the Company in
the original principal amount of $13.0 million representing the aggregate
balance of ATL's interest bearing advances from the Company. This note bears
interest at a rate equal to the Company's cost of borrowing (8.5% at March 31,
1997). Principal and interest on this note are payable to the Company in sixteen
equal quarterly installments at the end of each calendar quarter commencing June
30, 1997.
 
     ATL entered into a lease for new facilities in Irvine, California during
the first calendar quarter of 1997. ATL began to relocate to its new facility at
the end of fiscal 1997 and completed its move in the first quarter of fiscal
1998. The Company anticipates that ATL will incur expenditures of approximately
$500,000 for relocation costs, leasehold improvements and capital equipment for
this new facility.
 
     The Company anticipates that net cash flow generated by operating
activities, together with the net proceeds of ATL's initial public offering and
funds available under the Company's line of credit will be adequate to enable
the Company to execute its operating plans and meet its obligations on a timely
basis for at least the next twelve months.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   20
 
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
 
     The financial statements and supplementary data required by Regulation S-X
are included in this Form 10-K commencing on page F-1.
 
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
        FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
 
     Not applicable.
 
                                    PART III
 
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.
 
     (a) Identification of Directors. The information under the caption
"Election of Directors," appearing in the Proxy Statement, is incorporated
herein by reference.
 
     (b) Identification of Executive Officers. The information under the
headings "Executive Officers," appearing in the Proxy Statement, is incorporated
herein by reference.
 
     (c) Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act. The information
under the caption "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,"
appearing in the Proxy Statement, is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
 
     The information under the headings "Executive Compensation," appearing in
the Proxy Statement, is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.
 
     The information under the headings "Principal Shareholders" and "Common
Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management," appearing in the
Proxy Statement, is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
 
     The information under the heading "Certain Transactions," appearing in the
Proxy Statement, is incorporated herein by reference.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   21
 
                                    PART IV
 
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
 
(a) Documents filed as part of this Report:
 
     1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. The following financial statements of the Company
are included in a separate section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K commencing
on the pages referenced below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                PAGE
                                                                                ----
        <S>                                                                     <C>
        Index to Consolidated Financial Statements............................  F-1
        Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors.....................  F-2
        Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 1997 and 1996.............  F-3
        Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended March 31,
          1997, 1996 and 1995.................................................  F-5
        Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended
          March 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.......................................  F-6
        Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended March 31,
          1997, 1996 and 1995.................................................  F-7
        Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements............................  F-8
</TABLE>
 
     2. FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES. The following financial statement
schedule of the Company is included in a separate section of this Annual Report
on Form 10-K commencing on the pages referenced below. All other schedules have
been omitted because they are not applicable, not required, or the information
is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Page
                                                                                ----
        <S>                                                                     <C>
        Schedule II -- Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.........  S-1
</TABLE>
 
     3. EXHIBITS.
 
<TABLE>
    <S>          <C>
     3.1         Certificate of Incorporation of the Company filed as Exhibit 19.2 to the
                 September 30, 1987 Form 10-Q and incorporated herein by reference.
     3.2         Bylaws of the Company, as amended, filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Form S-1 filed July
                 6, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference.
     4.1         Specimen of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock certificates filed
                 as Exhibit 4.3 to Amendment No. 1 filed September 30, 1993 to Form S-1 filed
                 July 6, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference.
    10.1         1981 Incentive Stock Option Plan and form of Stock Option Agreement, filed as
                 Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Form S-8 filed June 27, 1985 (Reg. No. 2-98656)
                 (the "1985 Form S-8") and incorporated herein by reference.
    10.2         1982 Nonstatutory Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan and forms of
                 Nonstatutory Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement, filed as
                 Exhibit 4.2 to the 1985 Form S-8 and incorporated herein by reference.
    10.3         1992 Incentive Stock Option Plan and forms of Incentive Stock Option Agreement
                 and Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement filed as Exhibit 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3,
                 respectively, to the Company's Form S-8 filed March 10, 1993 (Reg. No.
                 33-59274) and incorporated herein by reference.
    10.4         Profit Sharing Plan and Trust, filed as Exhibit 4.3 to Amendment No. 2 to the
                 1985 Form S-8 filed May 5, 1988 (Reg No. 2-98656) and incorporated herein by
                 reference.
    10.5         Form of Executive Deferral Plan between the Company and certain employees of
                 the Company, filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the 1988 Form 10-K and incorporated
                 herein by reference.
</TABLE>
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   22
 
<TABLE>
    <S>          <C>
    10.6         Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement between Bank of the West and the
                 Company entered into as of September 30, 1992, filed as Exhibit 10.6 to Form
                 S-1 filed July 6, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference.
    10.7         Loan and Security Agreement between ATL Products, Inc. and Bank of the West
                 entered into as of February 26, 1993, filed as Exhibit 10.6 to Form S-1 filed
                 July 6, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference.
    10.8         Modification Agreement regarding the agreements referenced in Exhibits 10.6
                 and 10.7, as modified by the First Amendments to Modification Agreement from
                 Bank of the West dated as of February 26, 1993 and August 9, 1993 filed as
                 Exhibit 10.6 to Form S-1 filed July 6, 1993 and incorporated herein by
                 reference.
    10.9.1       Form of Indemnity Agreement entered into by the Company, and certain officers
                 and directors, filed as Exhibit 19.4 to the September 30, 1988 Form 10-Q and
                 incorporated herein by reference.
    10.9.2       Schedule of officers and directors covered by Indemnity Agreement filed as
                 Exhibit 10.9.2 to Amendment No. 1 filed September 30, 1993 to Form S-1 filed
                 July 6, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference.
    10.10        Amendment Nos. 3 and 4 to the Profit Sharing Plan and Trust, filed as Exhibits
                 4.3.1 and 4.3.2 respectively, to Amendment No. 3 to the 1983 Form S-8 (Reg.
                 No. 2-86220) filed June 13, 1990 and incorporated herein by reference.
    10.11        Lease between the Company and Roths Properties entered into as of November 1,
                 1990 filed as Exhibit 10.11 to Form S-1 filed July 6, 1993 and incorporated
                 herein by reference.
    10.12        Promissory Note in the original principal amount of $15,000,000 payable to The
                 Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company ("NMLI") dated October 31, 1989 and
                 related Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and Financing Statement between
                 Odetics, Inc. and NMLI dated October 31, 1989 filed as Exhibit 10.12 to Form
                 S-1 filed July 6, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference.
    10.13        Separation and Distribution Agreement between the Company and ATL dated March
                 1, 1997.
    10.14        Tax Allocation Agreement between the Company and ATL dated March 1, 1997.
    10.15        Services Agreement between the Company and ATL dated March 21, 1997.
    10.16        Promissory Note between the Company and ATL dated April 1, 1997.
    10.17        Amendment Number Six to Loan and Security Agreement dated March 31, 1997
                 between the Company, Gyyr, Imperial Bank and Comerica Bank-California.
    10.18        Note, Security Agreement and Letter Agreement between ATL and Imperial Bank
                 dated March 15, 1997.
    21           Subsidiaries of the Company.
    23.1         Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
    27           Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   23
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of
Anaheim, State of California, on June 27, 1997.
 
                                          ODETICS, INC.
 
                                          By:       /s/ JOEL SLUTZKY
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                        Joel Slutzky
                                             Chief Executive Officer, President
                                                 and Chairman of the Board
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     We, the undersigned officers and directors of ATL Products, Inc., do hereby
constitute and appoint Joel Slutzky and Gregory A. Miner, and each of them, our
true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in
any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Report, and to
file the same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or
could do in person, hereby, ratifying and confirming all that each of said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do
or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
Report has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on
the dates indicated:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             SIGNATURE                                 TITLE                         DATE
- ------------------------------------    ------------------------------------    --------------
<C>                                     <S>                                     <C>
 
          /s/ JOEL SLUTZKY              Chief Executive Officer, President      June 27, 1997
- ------------------------------------    and Chairman of the Board (principal
            Joel Slutzky                executive officer)
 
      /s/ CRANDALL GUDMUNDSON           President and Director                  June 27, 1997
- ------------------------------------
        Crandall Gudmundson
 
          /s/ JERRY MUENCH              Vice President and Director             June 27, 1997
- ------------------------------------
            Jerry Muench
 
         /s/ KEVIN C. DALY              Director of the Registrant Chief        June 27, 1997
- ------------------------------------    Executive Officer, President and
        Kevin C. Daly, Ph.D.            Chairman of the Board of ATL
                                        Products, Inc.
 
           /s/ GARY SMITH               Vice President and Controller           June 27, 1997
- ------------------------------------
             Gary Smith
       /s/ RALPH R. MICKELSON           Director                                June 27, 1997
- ------------------------------------
         Ralph R. Mickelson
</TABLE>
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   24
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             SIGNATURE                                 TITLE                         DATE
- ------------------------------------    ------------------------------------    --------------
<C>                                     <S>                                     <C>
 
        /s/ STANLEY MOLASKY             Director                                June 27, 1997
- ------------------------------------
          Stanley Molasky
 
           /s/ LEO WEXLER               Director                                June 27, 1997
- ------------------------------------
             Leo Wexler
 
         /s/ PAUL E. WRIGHT             Director                                June 27, 1997
- ------------------------------------
           Paul E. Wright
 
        /s/ GREGORY A. MINER            Vice President and Chief Financial      June 27, 1997
- ------------------------------------    Officer of the Registrant and Chief
          Gregory A. Miner              Financial Officer of ATL Products,
                                        Inc. (principal accounting officer)
</TABLE>
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   25
 
                                 ODETICS, INC.
 
                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        PAGE
                                                                                        ----
<S>                                                                                     <C>
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors.....................................  F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 1996 and 1997.............................  F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended March 31, 1995, 1996 and
  1997................................................................................  F-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended March 31, 1995,
  1996 and 1997.......................................................................  F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended March 31, 1995, 1996 and
  1997................................................................................  F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements............................................  F-7
</TABLE>
 
                                       F-1
<PAGE>   26
 
                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
Stockholders and Board of Directors
Odetics, Inc.
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Odetics, Inc. as
of March 31, 1996 and 1997, and the related consolidated statements of
operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended March 31, 1997. Our audits also included the financial
statement schedule listed in Item 14(a). These financial statements and schedule
are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of
Odetics, Inc. at March 31, 1996 and 1997, and the consolidated results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
March 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered
in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly
in all material respects the information set forth therein.
 
                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Orange County, California
April 29, 1997
 
                                       F-2
<PAGE>   27
 
                                 ODETICS, INC.
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                                     ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               MARCH 31,
                                                                         ---------------------
                                                                           1996         1997
                                                                         --------     --------
                                                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                      <C>          <C>
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents............................................  $  1,142     $ 11,359
  Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of
     $988,000 in 1996 and $669,000 in 1997.............................    24,772       29,424
  Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted
     contracts (Note 3)................................................     3,428        1,922
  Inventories:
     Finished goods....................................................     3,717        3,435
     Work in process...................................................     2,927        3,987
     Materials and supplies............................................    16,076       20,855
  Prepaid expenses and other...........................................     1,122        1,333
  Deferred income taxes................................................     2,516        2,056
                                                                         --------     --------
          Total current assets.........................................    55,700       74,371
Property, plant and equipment:
  Land.................................................................     2,090        2,090
  Buildings and improvements...........................................    17,553       18,238
  Equipment............................................................    23,964       28,201
  Furniture and fixtures...............................................       950          968
  Allowances for depreciation..........................................   (22,950)     (25,668)
                                                                         --------     --------
                                                                           21,607       23,829
Other assets...........................................................     1,504        2,738
                                                                         --------     --------
          Total assets.................................................  $ 78,811     $100,938
                                                                         ========     ========
                             LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
  Trade accounts payable...............................................  $ 11,519     $ 18,478
  Accrued payroll and related..........................................     4,611        6,851
  Accrued expenses.....................................................       563        4,179
  Income taxes payable.................................................     1,412        1,276
  Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted
     contracts (Note 3)................................................     5,414        2,690
  Current portion of long-term debt (Note 4)...........................     1,791        1,721
                                                                         --------     --------
          Total current liabilities....................................    25,310       35,195
Long-term debt, less current portion (Note 4)..........................    22,019       11,860
Deferred income taxes (Note 6).........................................       497          540
Minority interest......................................................        --        1,515
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 4 and 9)
Stockholders' equity (Notes 7 and 8):
  Preferred stock:
     Authorized shares -- 2,000,000
       Issued and outstanding -- none..................................        --           --
  Common stock, $.10 par value:
     Authorized shares -- 10,000,000 of Class A and 2,600,000 of Class
      B
     Issued and outstanding shares -- 4,935,359 of Class A and
      1,160,931 of Class B at March 31, 1996; 5,315,653 of Class A and
      1,064,241 of Class B at March 31, 1997...........................       610          638
  Paid-in capital......................................................    21,904       38,927
  Foreign currency translation.........................................       (10)          52
  Retained earnings....................................................     8,481       12,211
                                                                         --------     --------
          Total stockholders' equity...................................    30,985       51,828
                                                                         --------     --------
          Total liabilities and stockholders' equity...................  $ 78,811     $100,938
                                                                         ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                       F-3
<PAGE>   28
 
                                 ODETICS, INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
                                                           ------------------------------------
                                                            1995          1996           1997
                                                           -------       -------       --------
                                                             (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE
                                                                          DATA)
<S>                                                        <C>           <C>           <C>
Net sales and contract revenues:
  Net sales..............................................  $74,465       $94,466       $131,776
  Contract revenues......................................   13,280        10,161          9,032
                                                           -------       --------      --------
                                                            87,745       104,627        140,808
Costs and expenses:
  Cost of sales..........................................   51,148        63,398         84,096
  Cost of contract revenues..............................    6,633         4,374          4,907
  Selling, general and administrative expenses...........   20,899        23,678         30,293
  Research and development expenses......................    9,309         6,973         13,420
  Nonrecurring charge (Note 5)...........................    4,809            --             --
  Interest expense.......................................    1,925         2,247          1,890
  Minority interest in earnings of subsidiary............       --            --             53
                                                           -------       --------      --------
                                                            94,723       100,670        134,659
                                                           -------       --------      --------
Income (loss) before income taxes........................   (6,978)        3,957          6,149
Income taxes (benefit) (Note 6)..........................   (2,300)        1,504          2,419
                                                           -------       --------      --------
Net income (loss)........................................  $(4,678)      $ 2,453       $  3,730
                                                           =======       ========      ========
Net income (loss) per share of common stock..............  $  (.80)      $   .40       $    .55
                                                           =======       ========      ========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                       F-4
<PAGE>   29
 
                                 ODETICS, INC.
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          COMMON STOCK
                                    ------------------------
                                        SHARES
                                      OUTSTANDING
                                    ---------------
                                    CLASS    CLASS
                                      A        B                           FOREIGN
                                    COMMON   COMMON            PAID-IN    CURRENCY     RETAINED
                                    STOCK    STOCK    AMOUNT   CAPITAL   TRANSLATION   EARNINGS    TOTAL
                                    ------   ------   ------   -------   -----------   --------   -------
                                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                 <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>           <C>        <C>
Balance at March 31, 1994.........  4,585    1,193     $578    $19,922       $33       $ 10,706   $31,239
  Issuances of common stock (Notes
     7 and 8).....................    170       --       17      1,145        --             --     1,162
  Conversion of Class B common
     stock........................     32      (32)      --         --        --             --        --
  Foreign currency translation
     adjustments..................     --       --       --         --        13             --        13
  Net loss........................     --       --       --         --        --         (4,678)   (4,678)
                                    -----    -----     ----    -------       ---        -------   -------
Balance at March 31, 1995.........  4,787    1,161      595     21,067        46          6,028    27,736
  Issuances of common stock (Notes
     7 and 8).....................    148       --       15        837        --             --       852
  Foreign currency translation
     adjustments..................     --       --       --         --       (56)            --       (56)
  Net income......................     --       --       --         --        --          2,453     2,453
                                    -----    -----     ----    -------       ---        -------   -------
Balance at March 31, 1996.........  4,935    1,161      610     21,904       (10)         8,481    30,985
  Issuances of common stock (Notes
     7 and 8).....................    284       --       28      2,567        --             --     2,595
  Conversion of Class B common
     stock........................     97      (97)      --         --        --             --        --
  Issuance of ATL Products, Inc.
     common stock (Note 2)........     --       --       --     14,456        --             --    14,456
  Foreign currency translation
     adjustments..................     --       --       --         --        62             --        62
  Net income......................     --       --       --         --        --          3,730     3,730
                                    -----    -----     ----    -------       ---        -------   -------
Balance at March 31, 1997.........  5,316    1,064     $638    $38,927       $52       $ 12,211   $51,828
                                    =====    =====     ====    =======       ===        =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
                                       F-5
<PAGE>   30
 
                                 ODETICS, INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
                                                             ----------------------------------
                                                               1995         1996         1997
                                                             --------     --------     --------
                                                                       (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                          <C>          <C>          <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss)..........................................  $ (4,678)    $  2,453     $  3,730
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
  provided
  by (used in) operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization............................     2,442        2,694        3,622
  Minority interest in earnings of subsidiary..............        --           --           53
  Provision for losses on accounts receivable..............       827          170          277
  Provision for deferred income taxes......................    (2,337)          76          503
  Gain on sale of assets...................................       (37)         (28)        (177)
  Net proceeds from settlement of litigation (Note 9)......        --           --        5,860
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities (Note 11)....    (2,606)       1,395       (6,065)
                                                             --------     --------     --------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities........    (6,389)       6,760        7,803
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property, plant and equipment.................    (3,670)      (3,536)      (5,329)
Proceeds from sale of equipment............................        73           74           12
                                                             --------     --------     --------
Net cash used in investing activities......................    (3,597)      (3,462)      (5,317)
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from line of credit and long-term borrowings......    40,263       36,152       54,840
Principal payments on line of credit, long-term debt, and
  capital lease obligations................................   (31,222)     (39,395)     (65,069)
Net proceeds from issuance of ATL Products, Inc. common
  stock....................................................        --           --       15,918
Proceeds from issuance of common stock.....................     1,151          709        2,042
                                                             --------     --------     --------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities........    10,192       (2,534)       7,731
                                                             --------     --------     --------
Increase in cash...........................................       206          764       10,217
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year.............       172          378        1,142
                                                             --------     --------     --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year...................  $    378     $  1,142     $ 11,359
                                                             ========     ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                       F-6
<PAGE>   31
 
                          ODETICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 MARCH 31, 1997
 
 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  Principles of Consolidation
 
     The consolidated financial statements of Odetics, Inc. (the Company)
include the accounts of the Company and its active subsidiaries Odetics Europe,
Ltd., Odetics Asia Pacific Pte Ltd. and ATL Products, Inc. During fiscal 1990,
the Company incorporated Odetics Europe, Ltd. to develop European commercial
sales. During fiscal 1993, the ATL Division was incorporated as ATL Products,
Inc. During fiscal 1995, the Company incorporated Odetics Asia Pacific Pte Ltd.
to develop commercial sales for the Asian Market. All significant intercompany
accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
 
  Use of Estimates
 
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Significant estimates made in preparing the consolidated financial statements
include the allowances for doubtful accounts and deferred tax assets, inventory
reserves and costs to complete long-term contracts.
 
  Revenue Recognition
 
     Contract revenues and earnings on long-term cost-reimbursement and
fixed-price contracts of the Company's Communication Division are recognized on
the percentage-of-completion method of accounting as costs are incurred
(cost-to-cost basis). Contract revenues include costs incurred plus a portion of
estimated fees or profits based on the relationship of costs incurred to total
estimated costs. Any anticipated losses on contracts are charged to earnings
when identified. Certain contracts contain incentive and/or penalty provisions
which provide for increased or decreased revenues based upon performance in
relation to established targets. Incentive fees are recorded when earned and
penalty provisions are recorded when incurred, as long as the amounts can
reasonably be determined.
 
     For all other divisions, sales and related cost of sales are recognized on
the date of shipment or, if required, upon acceptance by the customer.
 
  Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
     Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and short-term investments with
maturities of less than ninety days.
 
  Fair Values of Financial Instruments
 
     Fair values of cash and cash equivalents, and the current portion of
long-term debt approximate the carrying value because of the short period of
time to maturity. The fair value of long-term debt approximates its carrying
value because the portion of fixed rates of interest approximate current market
rates and the remaining portion has variable rates of interest.
 
  Inventory Valuation
 
     Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined
on the first-in, first-out method.
 
  Long-Lived Assets
 
     The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 121, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of
 
                                       F-7
<PAGE>   32
 
                          ODETICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                 MARCH 31, 1997
 
 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
(SFAS No. 121), in March 1995. In accordance with SFAS No. 121, long-lived
assets and certain intangibles held and used by the Company will be reviewed for
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The recoverability test is
to be performed at the lowest level at which undiscounted net cash flows can be
directly attributable to long-lived assets. SFAS No. 121 is effective for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 1995. The Company adopted SFAS No. 121 in
fiscal 1997 and has determined that there is no material effect on the Company's
financial statements upon adoption.
 
  Property, Plant and Equipment
 
     Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Buildings are
depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives up
to a period of forty years. Equipment, furniture and fixtures, including assets
recorded under capital lease obligations, are depreciated principally by the
declining balance method over their estimated useful lives ranging from four to
eight years.
 
  Research and Development Expenditures
 
     Software development costs incurred subsequent to determination of
technical feasibility are capitalized. Amortization of capitalized software
costs is provided on a product-by-product basis at the greater of the amount
computed using (a) the ratio of current gross revenues for the product to the
total of current and anticipated future gross revenues or (b) the straight-line
method over the remaining estimated economic life of the product. Amortization
begins when product is available for general release to customers. Generally, an
original estimated economic life of two years is assigned to capitalized
software development costs.
 
     During fiscal 1995, 1996 and 1997, software development costs were
amortized to cost of sales totaling $42,000, $212,000 and $473,000 respectively.
The net unamortized balances of $1,105,000 and $1,843,000 are classified in
other assets at March 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
     All other research and development expenditures are charged to research and
development expense in the period incurred.
 
  Foreign Currency Translation
 
     The balance sheet accounts of Odetics Europe, Ltd. are translated at the
current year-end exchange rate and income statement items are translated at the
average exchange rate for the year. Resulting translation adjustments are made
directly to a separate component of stockholders' equity. Gains and losses
resulting from transactions of the Company and its subsidiaries which are made
in currencies different from their own are immaterial and are included in income
as they occur.
 
  Income Taxes
 
     Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed for differences
between financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities based on
enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the period in which differences are
expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when
necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts which are more likely than
not to be realized. The provision for income taxes is the taxes payable or
refundable for the period plus or minus the change during the period in deferred
income tax assets and liabilities.
 
                                       F-8
<PAGE>   33
 
                          ODETICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                 MARCH 31, 1997
 
 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
  Earnings (Loss) Per Share
 
     Earnings (loss) per share were computed using the weighted average number
of Class A and Class B common shares outstanding during the periods. Dilutive
employee stock options (Note 8) were considered in earnings per share
computations for 1996 and 1997. The weighted average number of common shares and
common equivalent shares used in the calculation of earnings per share was
approximately 5,872,000, 6,179,000 and 6,627,000 in 1995, 1996 and 1997,
respectively.
 
     In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
No. 128, Earnings per Share (Statement No. 128), which is required to be adopted
on December 31, 1997. At that time, the Company will be required to change the
method currently used to compute earnings per share and to restate all prior
periods. Under the new requirements for calculating primary earnings per share,
the dilutive effect of stock options will be excluded. The impact is expected to
result in an increase in primary earnings per share for the years ended March
31, 1996 and March 31, 1997 of $.01 and $.03 per share, respectively. The impact
of Statement 128 on the calculation of fully diluted earnings per share for
these years is not expected to be material.
 
  Stock Compensation
 
     The Company has elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion No.
25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees(APB 25) and related Interpretations
in accounting for its employee stock options because, as discussed below, the
alternative fair value accounting provided for under FASB Statement No. 123,
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, requires use of option valuation models
that were not developed for use in valuing employee stock options. Under APB 25,
because the exercise price of the Company's employee stock options equals the
market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant, no compensation
expense is recognized.
 
     To calculate the pro forma information required by Statement 123, the
Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes model was
developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options which have no
vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation
models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected
stock price volatility. Because the Company's employee stock options have
characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and
because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the
fair value estimate, in management's option, the existing models do not
necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its employee
stock options.
 
  Advertising Expenses
 
     The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expense
totaled $630,000, $578,000 and $1,020,000 in the years ended March 31, 1995,
1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
  Reclassifications
 
     Certain amounts in the 1995 and 1996 consolidated financial statements have
been reclassified to conform with the 1997 presentation.
 
2. SALE OF STOCK OF ATL PRODUCTS, INC.
 
     On March 13, 1997, ATL Products, Inc. (ATL), a subsidiary of the Company,
completed an initial public offering of 1,650,000 shares of its common stock, at
an offering price of $11 per share (the Offering).
 
                                       F-9
<PAGE>   34
 
                          ODETICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                 MARCH 31, 1997
 
2. SALE OF STOCK OF ATL PRODUCTS, INC. (CONTINUED)
Following the Offering, the Company's beneficial ownership interest in ATL
totals 82.9%. The Company has announced its intention to pursue a tax-free
spinoff of its remaining interest in ATL to the Company's stockholders by
December 31, 1997, subject to approval by the Company's Board of Directors and
to obtaining a letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service concerning the
tax-free nature of the spinoff.
 
3. COSTS AND ESTIMATED EARNINGS ON UNCOMPLETED CONTRACTS
 
     Costs incurred, estimated earnings and billings on uncompleted long-term
contracts are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       MARCH 31
                                                                 ---------------------
                                                                   1996         1997
                                                                 --------     --------
                                                                    (IN THOUSANDS)
        <S>                                                      <C>          <C>
        Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts................  $ 12,622     $ 17,483
        Estimated earnings.....................................       721        1,848
                                                                 --------     --------
                                                                   13,343       19,331
        Less billings to date..................................    15,329       20,099
                                                                 --------     --------
                                                                 $ (1,986)    $   (768)
        Included in accompanying balance sheets:
          Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on
             uncompleted contracts.............................  $  3,428     $  1,922
          Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on
             uncompleted contracts.............................    (5,414)      (2,690)
                                                                 --------     --------
                                                                 $ (1,986)    $   (768)
                                                                 ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
     Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings at March 31, 1996 and
1997 include $557,000 and $279,000, respectively, that were not billable as
certain milestone objectives specified in the contracts had not been attained.
Substantially all costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings at March
31, 1997 are expected to be billed and collected during the year ending March
31, 1998.
 
4. LONG-TERM DEBT
 
     Long-term debt consisted of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        MARCH 31
                                                                   -------------------
                                                                    1996        1997
                                                                   -------     -------
                                                                     (IN THOUSANDS)
        <S>                                                        <C>         <C>
        Note payable, collateralized by deed of trust on land and
          buildings with a net book value of approximately
          $15,000,000, payable in monthly installments through
          the year 2004, including interest at 9.36%.............  $11,040     $10,171
        Secured revolving credit agreement under which the
          Company may borrow up to $17,000,000 with interest at
          the prime rate (8.5% as of March 31, 1997). The
          agreement expires on August 31, 1998...................   10,700       2,100
        Notes payable, collateralized by equipment, payable in
          monthly installments through March 1999, including
          interest at 6.95% to 9.0%..............................    2,070       1,310
                                                                   -------     -------
                                                                    23,810      13,581
        Less current portion.....................................    1,791       1,721
                                                                   -------     -------
                                                                   $22,019     $11,860
                                                                   =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>   35
 
                          ODETICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                 MARCH 31, 1997
 
4. LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED)
     The revolving credit agreement is collateralized by substantially all of
the Company's assets, excluding the Company's property and plant and ATL's
assets. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company is required to comply with
certain covenants, maintain certain debt to net worth ratios, current ratios and
minimum net worth requirements.
 
     Included within the borrowing limits of the agreement, the Company has
available approximately $14,900,000 in letters of credit and approximately
$300,000 has been reserved for standby letters of credit at March 31, 1997.
 
     In March 1997, ATL entered into a separate $5.0 million line of credit with
Imperial Bank which provides for borrowings generally at the lessor of the
bank's prime rate (8.5% at March 31, 1997) or the bank's LIBOR rate plus 2.25%.
No amounts were outstanding under this line of credit as of March 31, 1997.
ATL's borrowings under the line of credit are secured by substantially all of
ATL's assets.
 
     The annual maturities of long-term debt for the five years ending March 31,
2002 and thereafter are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                 --------------
                <S>                                              <C>
                1998...........................................     $  1,721
                1999...........................................        3,643
                2000...........................................        1,146
                2001...........................................        1,261
                2002...........................................        1,383
                Thereafter.....................................        4,427
                                                                     -------
                                                                    $ 13,581
                                                                     =======
</TABLE>
 
5. NONRECURRING CHARGES
 
     In December 1994, the Company recorded a nonrecurring charge of $4,393,000
related to downsizing and restructuring in response to a deterioration in the
Company's contractual relationship with E-Systems, Inc., a major customer of ATL
Products, Inc. (see Note 9). The charge consisted of a $3,716,000 write-down of
inventories and accounts receivable to net realizable value and $677,000 of
severance costs and other charges associated with the E-Systems dispute. The
Company's restructuring plan also called for the implementation of an early
retirement incentive program effective for the period January 1, 1995 through
March 31, 1995 which resulted in a nonrecurring charge of $416,000 during the
fourth quarter of fiscal 1995. Approximately 100 associates, primarily in
operations, manufacturing, general management and administrative functions,
received severance pay based on the number of years of service plus early
retirees received HMO coverage for one year. All amounts accrued under the early
retirement incentive program were paid by March 31, 1996.
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>   36
 
                          ODETICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                 MARCH 31, 1997
 
6. INCOME TAXES
 
     The reconciliation of the income tax provision (benefit) to taxes computed
at U.S. federal statutory rates is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
                                                          -----------------------------
                                                           1995        1996       1997
                                                          -------     ------     ------
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
        <S>                                               <C>         <C>        <C>
        Income tax (benefit) at statutory rates.........  $(2,442)    $1,385     $2,091
        State income taxes, net of federal tax
          benefit.......................................       27        310        318
        Decrease of valuation allowance associated with
          federal deferred tax assets...................       --       (326)       (99)
        Foreign losses recorded without benefit.........       --         80         --
        Other...........................................      115         55        109
                                                          -------     ------     ------
                                                          $(2,300)    $1,504     $2,419
                                                          =======     ======     ======
</TABLE>
 
     United States and foreign income (loss) before income taxes are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
                                                          -----------------------------
                                                           1995        1996       1997
                                                          -------     ------     ------
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
        <S>                                               <C>         <C>        <C>
        Pretax income (loss):
          Domestic......................................  $(7,384)    $2,194     $5,930
          Foreign.......................................      406      1,763        219
                                                          -------     ------     ------
                                                          $(6,978)    $3,957     $6,149
                                                          =======     ======     ======
</TABLE>
 
     Significant components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes are as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
                                                          -----------------------------
                                                           1995        1996       1997
                                                          -------     ------     ------
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
        <S>                                               <C>         <C>        <C>
        Current:
          Federal.......................................  $  (139)    $  293     $1,662
          State.........................................       40        476        209
          Tax benefit from stock option exercises.......      (24)       (31)      (801)
          Foreign.......................................      136        659         45
                                                          -------     ------     ------
                                                               13      1,397      1,115
        Deferred:
          Federal.......................................   (2,337)       194        551
          State.........................................       --       (118)       (48)
                                                          -------     ------     ------
        Total deferred..................................   (2,337)        76        503
        Charge in lieu:
          Credit to additional paid-in capital
             attributable to stock option exercises.....       24         31        801
                                                          -------     ------     ------
                                                          $(2,300)    $1,504     $2,419
                                                          =======     ======     ======
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>   37
 
                          ODETICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                 MARCH 31, 1997
 
6. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
     The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    1996        1997
                                                                   -------     -------
                                                                     (In thousands)
        <S>                                                        <C>         <C>
        Deferred tax assets:
          Inventory reserves.....................................  $ 1,915     $ 1,521
          Deferred compensation and other payroll accruals.......    1,904       2,095
          General business tax credit carryforwards..............    1,035         322
          Alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards...........      883         883
          Bad debt reserve.......................................      397         286
          Other reserves.........................................       --         831
          Other, net.............................................      377         123
                                                                   -------     -------
        Total deferred tax assets................................    6,511       6,061
        Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets..............   (1,450)     (1,351)
                                                                   -------     -------
        Net deferred tax assets..................................    5,061       4,710
                                                                   -------     -------
        Deferred tax liabilities:
          Tax over book depreciation.............................    2,557       2,696
          Capitalized interest and taxes.........................      485         468
          Other, net.............................................       --          30
                                                                   -------     -------
        Total deferred tax liabilities...........................    3,042       3,194
                                                                   -------     -------
        Net deferred tax assets..................................  $ 2,019     $ 1,516
                                                                   =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
     At March 31, 1997, the Company had approximately $322,000 in general
business credit carryforwards, and $883,000 of alternative minimum tax credit
carryforwards for federal income tax purposes. For financial reporting purposes,
of the $1,351,000 valuation allowance $1,205,000 has been recorded to offset the
deferred tax asset related to these credits. Any future benefits recognized from
the reduction of the valuation allowance will result in a reduction of income
tax expense. These credit carryforwards expire at various dates beginning in
2005.
 
 7. ASSOCIATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS
 
     Under the terms of a Profit Sharing Plan, the Company contributes to a
trust fund such amounts as are determined annually by the Board of Directors. No
contributions were made in 1995, 1996 or 1997.
 
     In May 1990, the Company adopted a 401(k) Plan as an amendment and
replacement of the former Associate Stock Purchase Plan that was an additional
feature of the Profit Sharing Plan. Under the 401(k) Plan, eligible associates
voluntarily contribute to the plan up to 15% of their salary through payroll
deductions. The Company matches 50% of contributions up to a stated limit. Under
the provisions of the 401(k) Plan, associates have four investment choices, one
of which is the purchase of Odetics, Class A common stock at market price.
Company matching contributions were approximately $376,000, $580,000 and
$525,000 in 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
     Effective April 1, 1987, the Company established a noncontributory
Associate Stock Ownership Plan (ASOP) for all associates with more than six
months of eligible service. The ASOP provides that Company contributions, which
are determined annually by the Board of Directors, may be in the form of cash or
shares of Company stock. No contributions were made in 1995. The Company
contributions to the ASOP were
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>   38
 
                          ODETICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                 MARCH 31, 1997
 
 7. ASSOCIATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS (CONTINUED)
approximately $430,000 and $513,000 in 1996 and 1997, respectively. Shares
distributed through the ASOP Plan were included in total outstanding shares used
in the earnings per share calculation.
 
 8. STOCK OPTION AND DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS
 
     The Company has adopted an Associate Stock Option Plan which provides that
options for shares of the Company's unissued Class A common stock may be granted
to directors and associates of the Company. Options granted enable the option
holder to purchase one share of Class A common stock at prices which are equal
to or greater than the fair market value of the shares at the date of grant.
Options for shares have been granted at prices ranging from $4.25 to $9.90 for
one share of Class A common stock. Options expire ten years after date of grant
or 90 days after termination of employment and vest ratably at 33% or 25% on
each of the first three or four anniversaries of the grant date, respectively,
depending on the date of grant. Options for shares of both the Company's
unissued Class A and Class B common stock had been granted to directors and
associates of the Company and such options expired in 1994.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
                                             ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    1995                  1996                  1997
                                             -------------------   -------------------   -------------------
                                                       WEIGHTED              WEIGHTED              WEIGHTED
                                                        AVERAGE               AVERAGE               AVERAGE
                                                       EXERCISE              EXERCISE              EXERCISE
                                             OPTIONS     PRICE     OPTIONS     PRICE     OPTIONS     PRICE
                                             -------   ---------   -------   ---------   -------   ---------
                                                          (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                          <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>
Options outstanding at beginning of year...    655        6.72        627       6.85        691       5.32
  Granted..................................     27        7.12        381       4.72        183       9.17
  Exercised................................    (40)       4.34        (70)      4.76       (217)      5.41
  Canceled.................................    (15)       6.43       (247)      8.43        (17)      4.43
                                               ---        ----        ---       ----        ---       ----
  Options outstanding at end of year.......    627        6.85        691       5.32        640       6.41
                                               ===        ====        ===       ====        ===       ====
Exercisable at end of year.................    357                    288                   308
                                               ===                    ===                   ===
Available for grant at end of year.........    437                    520                   164
                                               ===                    ===                   ===
Option price range for exercised shares:...       $4.38 to $6.13       $4.25 to $6.625        $4.25 to $9.00
</TABLE>
 
     Exercise prices for options outstanding as of March 31, 1997 ranged from
$4.00 to $9.90. The weighted-average remaining contractual life and exercise
price of those options is 7.63 years and $5.53, respectively.
 
     In calculating pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per
share, as required by Statement 123, the fair value was estimated at the date of
grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following
weighted-average assumptions for the options on the Company's Class A common
stock: risk-free interest rate of 6.5%; a dividend yield of 0%; volatility of
the expected market price of the Company's common stock of .40; and a
weighted-average expected life of the option of 7 years.
 
     For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the
options is amortized to expense over the options' vesting period. The Company's
pro forma information for the years ended March 31, 1996 and 1997 follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1996           1997
                                                              ----------     ----------
        <S>                                                   <C>            <C>
        Pro forma net income................................  $2,252,000     $3,341,000
        Pro forma net income per share......................  $      .36     $      .50
</TABLE>
 
     During 1986, the Company adopted an Executive Deferral Plan under which
certain executives may defer a portion of their annual compensation. All
deferred amounts earn interest, generally with no guaranteed
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>   39
 
                          ODETICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                 MARCH 31, 1997
 
 8. STOCK OPTION AND DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS (CONTINUED)
rate of return. Compensation charged to operations and deferred under the plan
totaled $364,000, $302,000 and $410,000 for 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
 9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
     In November 1994 and February 1995, the Company and E-Systems, Inc.
(E-Systems), respectively filed legal actions related to E-Systems' cancellation
of purchase orders for ATL Products' DataLibrary and DataTower products. In May
1996, the parties entered into a settlement agreement under which, among other
things, E-Systems agreed to pay the Company $6,160,000, all claims asserted by
the parties were released and the litigation dismissed. In addition, the parties
agreed to an equitable disposition of disputed inventory and entered into a five
year service agreement for Odetics to service units that had been sold to
E-Systems at agreed upon prices. The Company has not recorded any material gain
or loss based on the terms of the settlement agreement.
 
     ATL has leased and began to relocate to a new facility in Irvine,
California during the first calendar quarter of 1997. The annual commitment
under this noncancelable operation lease at March 31, 1997 is as follows (in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     FISCAL YEAR
                -----------------------------------------------------
                <S>                                                    <C>
                1998.................................................  $ 800
                1999.................................................    844
                2000.................................................    889
                2001.................................................    933
                2002.................................................    977
                Thereafter...........................................  1,723
</TABLE>
 
10. SEGMENT AND SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMER INFORMATION
 
     The Company operates in one industry segment whereby it focuses on
information automation through its design, development, manufacturing and
marketing of subsystems and other products for specialized information
automation applications. The Company's principal products include magnetic tape
cartridge and cassette handling subsystems for automated tape library systems
used in computer mass data storage applications; large library cart machines
used in broadcast and cable television station operations; time-lapse VCRs and
related products used in commercial and industrial closed circuit television
security and surveillance applications; and space-qualified digital data
recorders used in manned and unmanned space vehicles.
 
     The Company manufactures and sells its products to commercial customers in
diversified industries as well as to prime government contractors under
long-term contracts. The percentage of the Company's total net sales and
contract revenues contributed by direct and indirect sales to the United States
and foreign governments were approximately 19%, 10% and 11% during 1995, 1996
and 1997, respectively.
 
     The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers'
financial condition and generally does not require collateral. Credit losses
have been within management's expectations and within amounts provided through
the allowances for doubtful accounts. At March 31, 1996 and 1997, accounts
receivable from governmental agencies and prime government contractors were
approximately $970,000 and $1,034,000, respectively.
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>   40
 
                          ODETICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                 MARCH 31, 1997
 
10. SEGMENT AND SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMER INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
     Information concerning the Company's operations by geographic segment is as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
                                                     ----------------------------------
                                                       1995         1996         1997
                                                     --------     --------     --------
        <S>                                          <C>          <C>          <C>
        Sales to unaffiliated customers:
          United States(a).........................  $ 77,955     $ 87,007     $123,428
          Europe -- Odetics Europe, Ltd. ..........     5,627       14,553       13,874
          Asia Pacific -- Odetics Asia Pacific Pte
             Ltd. .................................     4,163        3,067        3,506
                                                     --------     --------     --------
                                                     $ 87,745     $104,627     $140,808
                                                     ========     ========     ========
        Sales between geographic areas (based on
          invoiced prices):
          United States............................  $ 10,452     $  9,563     $  4,418
          Europe...................................        --           --           --
          Asia Pacific.............................        --           --           --
          Intercompany eliminations................   (10,452)      (9,563)      (4,418)
                                                     --------     --------     --------
                                                     $     --     $     --     $     --
                                                     ========     ========     ========
        Income (loss) before taxes:
          United States............................  $ (7,019)    $  2,744     $  5,930
          Europe...................................        29        1,998         (215)
          Asia Pacific.............................       377         (235)         434
          Intercompany eliminations................      (365)        (550)          --
                                                     --------     --------     --------
                                                     $ (6,978)    $  3,957     $  6,149
                                                     ========     ========     ========
        Assets:
          United States............................  $ 76,620     $ 78,543     $110,170
          Europe...................................     3,367        5,002        5,092
          Asia Pacific.............................     1,934          740        1,976
          Intercompany eliminations................    (9,563)      (5,474)     (16,300)
                                                     --------     --------     --------
                                                     $ 72,358     $ 78,811     $100,938
                                                     ========     ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(a) Export sales from the United States to all unaffiliated foreign customers
    (which excludes sales to and by Odetics Europe, Ltd. and Odetics Asia
    Pacific Pte Ltd.) were approximately $10,000,000, $13,000,000 and
    $24,000,000 during 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively. These sales were
    principally made to customers in Europe and the Pacific Rim.
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>   41
 
                          ODETICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                 MARCH 31, 1997
 
11. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
                                                        -------------------------------
                                                         1995        1996        1997
                                                        -------     -------     -------
                                                                (IN THOUSANDS)
        <S>                                             <C>         <C>         <C>
        Net cash used in changes in operating assets
          and liabilities, net of litigation
          settlement:
          Increase in accounts receivable.............  $  (435)    $(7,129)    $(6,649)
          (Increase) decrease in net costs and
             estimated earnings in excess of
             billings.................................    2,064       1,167      (1,217)
          (Increase) decrease in inventories..........   (3,102)      2,747      (6,909)
          Increase in prepaids and other assets.......   (1,109)       (556)     (1,996)
          Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and
             accrued expenses.........................      (24)      5,166      10,706
                                                        -------     -------     -------
        Net cash used in changes in operating assets
          and liabilities.............................  $(2,606)    $ 1,395     $(6,065)
                                                        =======     =======     =======
        Cash paid during the year:
          Interest....................................  $ 2,006     $ 2,415     $ 1,888
          Income taxes paid (refunded)................      292        (133)        975
        Noncash transactions during the year:
          Issuances of common stock to satisfy
             associate incentive program obligation...      140         143         615
          Equity of subsidiary allocable to minority
             interest.................................  $    --     $    --     $ 1,462
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>   42
 
                SCHEDULE II -- VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
 
                                 ODETICS, INC.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   COLUMN B
                                 ------------                    COLUMN C                      COLUMN D           COLUMN E
           COLUMN A               BALANCE AT    ------------------------------------------  --------------     --------------
- -------------------------------  BEGINNING OF   CHARGED TO COSTS   CHARGED TO ACCOUNTS --   DEDUCTIONS --      BALANCE AT END
          DESCRIPTION               PERIOD        AND EXPENSES            DESCRIBE             DESCRIBE          OF PERIOD
- -------------------------------  ------------   -----------------  -----------------------  --------------     --------------
<S>                              <C>            <C>                <C>                      <C>                <C>
Year ended March 31, 1995:
  Deducted from asset accounts:
     Allowance for doubtful
       accounts................   $   337,000      $   827,000              $  --            $   (210,000)(1)    $  954,000
     Reserve for inventory
       obsolescence............       861,000        5,381,000              $  --                (161,000)        6,081,000
                                   ----------       ----------                ---            ------------        ----------
          Total................   $ 1,198,000      $ 6,208,000              $  --            $   (371,000)       $7,035,000
                                   ==========       ==========                ===            ============        ==========
Year ended March 31, 1996:
  Deducted from asset accounts:
     Allowance for doubtful
       accounts................   $   954,000      $   170,000              $  --            $   (136,000)(1)    $  988,000
     Reserve for inventory
       obsolescence............     6,081,000          462,000                 --                      --         6,543,000
                                   ----------       ----------                ---            ------------        ----------
          Total................   $ 7,035,000      $   632,000              $  --            $   (136,000)       $7,531,000
                                   ==========       ==========                ===            ============        ==========
Year ended March 31, 1997:
  Deducted from asset accounts:
     Allowance for doubtful
       accounts................   $   988,000      $   277,000              $  --            $   (596,000)(2)    $  669,000
     Reserve for inventory
       obsolescence............     6,543,000        2,076,000                 --              (2,546,000)(2)     6,073,000
                                   ----------       ----------                ---            ------------        ----------
          Total................   $ 7,531,000        2,353,000              $  --            $ (3,142,000)       $6,742,000
                                   ==========       ==========                ===            ============        ==========
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.
 
(2) Consists of additional write-offs in connection with settlement of
    litigation with E-Systems, Inc. See Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated
    Financial Statements.
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>   43
 
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    EXHIBIT                                                                         SEQUENTIAL
      NO.                                   DESCRIPTION                              PAGE NO.
    -------     --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    <S>         <C>                                                                <C>
     3.1        Certificate of Incorporation of the Company filed as Exhibit 19.2
                to the September 30, 1987 Form 10-Q and incorporated herein by
                reference..........................................................
     3.2        Bylaws of the Company, as amended, filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Form S-1
                filed July 6, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference............
     4.1        Specimen of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock
                certificates filed as Exhibit 4.3 to Amendment No. 1 filed
                September 30, 1993 to Form S-1 filed July 6, 1993 and incorporated
                herein by reference................................................
    10.1        1981 Incentive Stock Option Plan and form of Stock Option
                Agreement, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Form S-8 filed
                June 27, 1985 (No. 2-98656) (the "1985 Form S-8") and incorporated
                herein by reference................................................
    10.2        1982 Nonstatutory Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan
                and forms of Nonstatutory Stock Option and Stock Appreciation
                Rights Agreement, filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the 1985 Form S-8 and
                incorporated herein by reference...................................
    10.3        1992 Incentive Stock Option Plan and forms of Incentive Stock
                Option Agreement and Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement filed as
                Exhibit 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3, respectively, to the Company's Form S-8
                filed March 10, 1993 (Reg. No. 33-59274) and incorporated herein by
                reference..........................................................
    10.4        Profit Sharing Plan and Trust, filed as Exhibit 4.3 to Amendment
                No. 2 to the 1985 Form S-8 filed May 5, 1988 (Reg. No. 2-98656) and
                incorporated herein by reference...................................
    10.5        Form of Executive Deferral Plan between the Company and certain
                employees of the Company, filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the 1988 Form
                10-K and incorporated herein by reference..........................
    10.6        Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement between Bank of the West
                and the Company entered into as of September 30, 1992, filed as
                Exhibit 10.6 to Form S-1 filed July 6, 1993 and incorporated herein
                by reference.......................................................
    10.7        Loan and Security Agreement between ATL Products, Inc. and Bank of
                the West entered into as of February 26, 1993, filed as Exhibit
                10.6 to Form S-1 filed July 6, 1993 and incorporated herein by
                reference..........................................................
    10.8        Modification Agreement regarding the agreements referenced in
                Exhibits 10.6 and 10.7, as modified by the First Amendments to
                Modification Agreement from Bank of the West dated as of February
                26, 1993 and August 9, 1993 filed as Exhibit 10.6 to Form S-1 filed
                July 6, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference..................
    10.9.1      Form of Indemnity Agreement entered into by the Company, and
                certain officers and directors, filed as Exhibit 19.4 to the
                September 30, 1988 Form 10-Q and incorporated herein by
                reference..........................................................
    10.9.2      Schedule of officers and directors covered by Indemnity Agreement
                filed as Exhibit 10.9.2 to Amendment No. 1 filed September 30, 1993
                to Form S-1 filed July 6, 1993 and incorporated herein by
                reference..........................................................
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   44
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    EXHIBIT                                                                         SEQUENTIAL
      NO.                                   DESCRIPTION                              PAGE NO.
    -------     --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    <S>         <C>                                                                <C>
    10.10       Amendment Nos. 3 and 4 to the Profit Sharing Plan and Trust, filed
                as Exhibits 4.3.1 and 4.3.2 respectively, to Amendment No. 3 to the
                1983 Form S-8 (Reg. No. 2-86220) filed June 13, 1990 and
                incorporated herein by reference...................................
    10.11       Lease between the Company and Roths Properties entered into as of
                November 1, 1990 filed as Exhibit 10.11 to Form S-1 filed July 6,
                1993 and incorporated herein by reference..........................
    10.12       Promissory Note in the original principal amount of $15,000,000
                payable to The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company ("NMLI")
                dated October 31, 1989 and related Deed of Trust, Security
                Agreement and Financing Statement between Odetics, Inc. and NMLI
                dated October 31, 1989 filed as Exhibit 10.12 to Form S-1 filed
                July 6, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference..................
    10.13       Separation and Distribution Agreement between the Company and ATL
                dated March 1, 1997................................................
    10.14       Tax Allocation Agreement between the Company and ATL dated March 1,
                1997...............................................................
    10.15       Services Agreement between the Company and ATL dated March 21,
                1997...............................................................
    10.16       Promissory Note between the Company and ATL dated April 1, 1997....
    10.17       Amendment Number Six to Loan and Security Agreement dated March 31,
                1997 between the Company, Gyyr, Imperial Bank and Comerica Bank-
                California.........................................................
    10.18       Note, Security Agreement and Letter Agreement between ATL and
                Imperial Bank dated March 15, 1997.
    21          Subsidiaries of the Company........................................
    23.1        Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.......................................
    27          Financial Data Schedule............................................
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.13

                      SEPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT



         THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into this 1st day of March, 1997, by
and between ODETICS, INC., a Delaware corporation ("Odetics"), and ATL PRODUCTS,
INC., a Delaware corporation ("ATL").

                              PRELIMINARY STATEMENT

         Odetics is the sole stockholder of ATL.

         Odetics, through ATL and ATL's wholly owned subsidiary, ATL Products
Limited, a United Kingdom private limited liability company, is engaged in the
manufacture and sale of automated tape libraries, and related services (the "ATL
Business").

         Odetics' Board of Directors has determined that Odetics will cause ATL
to make an initial public offering of up to 1,897,500 shares of its Class A
Common Stock (the "IPO"), and subsequent to the IPO and subject to certain
conditions, distribute to Odetics' stockholders all of the outstanding stock of
ATL owned by Odetics through a spinoff (the "Distribution"). The IPO and the
Distribution are together referred to herein as the "Separation" and will result
in the total and complete separation of the Business and ATL from Odetics at the
time of the Distribution (the "Separation Date"); provided, however, that
Odetics may continue to provide services to ATL pursuant to services agreements
after the Separation Date.

         The parties hereto have determined that it is necessary and desirable
to set forth in this Agreement and in a services agreement (the "Services
Agreement"), a Promissory Note and a Tax Allocation Agreement (the "Tax
Allocation Agreement") between ATL and Odetics (the Services Agreement and the
Tax Allocation Agreement are collectively referred to herein as the "Ancillary
Agreements"), the principal corporate transactions determined by Odetics and ATL
to be appropriate to effect the Separation and to set forth other agreements and
undertakings by and between Odetics and ATL that will govern certain other
matters between the date hereof and the Distribution and following the
Distribution.

         Simultaneously with the execution of this Agreement, Odetics and ATL
are entering into the Ancillary Agreements.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and the mutual
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements, and upon the terms and
subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth, the parties do hereby agree as
follows:



                                        1

<PAGE>   2

                                   ARTICLE I.

                                  THE TRANSFER

         1.1 Transfer of Assets. On the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth in this Agreement, and the other agreements and instruments of conveyance
contemplated hereunder, simultaneously with the execution and delivery of this
Agreement, Odetics has heretofore transferred, assigned and conveyed to ATL all
of Odetics' right, title, and interest in and to all of the assets, tangible and
intangible, related to the Business (the "ATL Assets") for a purchase price
equal to the book value thereof, as calculated in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. The parties hereto believe that such purchase
price constitutes fair market value of the ATL Assets.

         1.2 Payment of Purchase Price. The purchase price of the ATL Assets
will be included in the principal amount of a Promissory Note (the "Note") in
substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, which will be completed at
the consummation of the IPO, and executed and delivered in connection therewith,
and such purchase price shall be payable in accordance with the terms of the
Note.

                                   ARTICLE II.

                    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ODETICS

         Odetics represents and warrants to ATL as follows:

         2.1 Power and Authority; Effect of Agreement. Odetics is a corporation
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of
Delaware, has requisite corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and
perform this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
The execution, delivery and performance by it of this Agreement and the
consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Odetics. This
Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Odetics and
constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation. enforceable against it in
accordance with its terms, except to the extent that such enforceability may be
limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar
laws relating to creditors' rights generally. The execution, delivery and
performance by it of this Agreement and the consummation by Odetics of the
transactions contemplated by the Transfer does not, and will not, with or
without the giving of notice or the lapse of time, or both: (i) violate any
provision of law, rule or regulation to which it is subject; (ii) violate any
order, judgment or decree applicable to it; (iii) conflict with, or result in a
breach or default under, its Certificate of Incorporation or its Bylaws; or (iv)
conflict with, or result in a breach or default under, any contract to which it
is a party; except, in each case, for violations, conflicts, breaches or
defaults which in the aggregate would not materially hinder or impair the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or have a material adverse
effect on the Business.


                                        2

<PAGE>   3

         2.2 Stock of Transferred Subsidiaries. Odetics is the owner,
beneficially and of record of all of the issued and outstanding stock of the
assets referred to in Section 1.1 hereof, free and clear of all liens,
encumbrances, security agreements, options, claims, charges and restrictions.

         2.3 Government Consents. No consent, approval or authorization of, or
exemption from, or filing with. any governmental or regulatory authority is
required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by Odetics of
the terms of this Article II or the taking by it of any other action required to
effectuate the Transfer.

                                  ARTICLE III.

                      REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ATL


         ATL represents and warrants to Odetics as follows:

         3.1 ATL's Power and Authority. ATL is a corporation duly organized
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Delaware, and has all
requisite corporate power and authority to carry on the Business as it is now
being conducted and as proposed to be conducted.

         3.2 Due Authorization, Execution and Delivery; Effect of Agreement. ATL
has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform
this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The
execution, delivery and performance by ATL of this Agreement and the
consummation by ATL of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of ATL. This Agreement
has been duly and validly executed and delivered by ATL and constitutes the
legal, valid and binding obligation of ATL, enforceable against ATL in
accordance with its terms, except to the extent that such enforceability may be
limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar
laws relating to creditors' rights generally. The execution, delivery and
performance by ATL of this Agreement and the consummation by ATL of the
transactions contemplated by the Transfer does not, and will not, with or
without the giving of notice or the lapse of time, or both: (i) violate any
provision of law, rule or regulation to which ATL is subject; (ii) violate any
order, judgment or decree applicable to ATL; (iii) conflict with, or result in a
breach or default under, the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of ATL; or
(iv) conflict with, or result in a breach or default under, any contract to
which it is a party; except, in each case, for violations, conflicts, breaches
or defaults which in the aggregate would not materially hinder or impair the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or have a material adverse
effect on the Business.

         3.3 Consents. No consent, approval or authorization of, or exemption
from, or filing with, any governmental or regulatory authority or any other
third party is required in connection with the execution, delivery or
performance by ATL of this Agreement or the taking by of any other action
required to effectuate the Transfer.



                                        3

<PAGE>   4

                                   ARTICLE IV.

                              COVENANTS OF ODETICS


         4.1  Books and Records; Personnel. For a period of six years after the
Separation Date (or such longer period as maybe required by any law or
regulation, any governmental agency, any ongoing litigation or class of
connection with any administrative proceeding):

              (a) Odetics shall not dispose of or destroy any of the business
records and files of the Business retained by it or any of its subsidiaries (the
"Retained Records"). If Odetics wishes to dispose of or destroy such records and
files after such six year period, it shall use reasonable efforts to first give
30 days' prior written notice to ATL and ATL shall have the right, at its option
and expense, upon prior written notice to Odetics within such 30 day period, to
take possession of the Retained Records within 60 days after the date of ATL's
notice to Odetics.

              (b) Odetics shall allow ATL and its representatives reasonable
access to all Retained Records during regular business hours and upon reasonable
notice. Odetics shall maintain the Retained Records in a manner and at locations
that reasonably facilitates retrieval and review by ATL. ATL shall have the
right, at its own expense, to make copies of any such records and files and
Odetics shall provide convenient duplication facilities for such purpose,
provided, however, that any such access or copying shall be had or done in such
manner so as not to unreasonably interfere with the normal conduct of Odetics'
business or operations; and

              (c) Odetics shall make reasonably available to ATL, upon written
request and at ATL's expense: (i) personnel to assist in locating and obtaining
records and files maintained by it (including those created after the date
hereof, to the extent necessary and appropriate in connection with pending and
future claims against ATL relating to the Business) and (ii) any of its
personnel whose assistance or participation (including as a witness during
depositions or at trial) is reasonably required by ATL in anticipation of, or
preparation for or during, existing or future litigation or other matters in
which ATL or any of its affiliates is involved and which is related to the
Business.

         4.2  Supply Agreements. For a period of three years from the
consummation of the IPO, Odetics shall not unilaterally terminate or assign its
guarantee obligation with respect to any supply agreement pursuant to which it
has guaranteed the performance by ATL of ATL's obligations, unless such
suppliers have consented to the termination or assignment of such guarantee.

         4.3  Cooperation. Odetics agrees to cooperate with ATL, both before and
after the Separation Date, to enable both parties to implement the Separation,
including but not limited to performing the obligations undertaken by the
parties hereunder. Such cooperation will include but not be limited to preparing
and submitting required financial reports after the Separation Date, which may
relate to periods before or after the Separation Date, and executing such


                                        4

<PAGE>   5

documents and doing such other acts and things as may be necessary to carry out
the intent of this Agreement as it relates to the Separation.

                                   ARTICLE V.

                                COVENANTS OF ATL


         5.1  Cooperation. ATL agrees to cooperate with Odetics, both before and
after the Separation Date, to enable both parties to implement the Separation,
including but not limited to performing the obligations undertaken by the
parties hereunder. Such cooperation will include but not be limited to preparing
and submitting required financial reports after the Separation Date, which may
relate to periods before or after the Separation Date, and executing such
documents and doing such other acts and things as may be necessary to carry out
the intent of this Agreement as it relates to the Separation.

         5.2  Books and Records; Personnel. For a period of six years after the
Separation Date (or such longer period as may be required by any law or
regulation, any governmental agency, any ongoing litigation or class of
litigation, or in connection with any administrative proceeding):

              (a) ATL shall not dispose of or destroy the business records and
files of the Business that are transferred to it or any of its subsidiaries in
carrying out the transactions contemplated hereby (the "Transferred Records").
If ATL wishes to dispose of or destroy such records and files after that time,
it shall use reasonable efforts to first give 30 days' prior written notice to
Odetics and Odetics shall have the right. at its option and expense, upon prior
written notice to ATL within such 30 day period, to take possession of the
Transferred Records within 60 days after the date of Odetics' notice to ATL;

              (b) ATL shall allow Odetics and its representatives reasonable
access to all Transferred Records during regular business hours and upon
reasonable notice. ATL shall maintain the Transferred Records in a manner and at
locations that reasonably facilitates retrieval and review by Odetics. Odetics
shall have the right. at its own expense, to make copies of any such records and
files and ATL shall provide convenient duplication facilities for such purposes
provided, however, that any such access or copying shall be had or done in such
a manner so as not to unreasonably interfere with the normal conduct of ATL's
business or operations; and

              (c) ATL shall make reasonably available to Odetics upon written
request and at Odetics' expense: (1) ATL's personnel to assist in locating and
obtaining records and files maintained by it (including those created after the
date hereof, to the extent necessary and appropriate in connection with pending
and future claims against Odetics relating to the Business), and (ii) any of its
personnel whose assistance or participation (including as a witness during
depositions or at trial) is reasonably required by Odetics in anticipation of,
or preparation for or during, existing or future litigation or other matters in
which Odetics or any of its affiliates is involved.



                                        5

<PAGE>   6

                                   ARTICLE VI.

                       THE IPO AND ACTIONS PENDING THE IPO


         6.1  Transactions Prior to the IPO.

              (a) Subject to the conditions specified in Section 6.3 hereof,
Odetics and ATL shall use their reasonable best efforts to consummate the IPO.
Such actions shall include, but shall not necessarily be limited to, those
specified in this Section 6.1

              (b) ATL shall file the IPO Registration Statement, and such
amendments or supplements thereto, as may be necessary in order to cause the
same to become and remain effective as required by law or by the Underwriters,
including, but not limited to, filing such amendments to ATL's Registration
Statement on Form S-1 as may be required by the Underwriting Agreement, the
Commission or federal, state or foreign securities laws. Odetics and ATL shall
also cooperate in preparing, filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "Commission") and causing to become effective a registration statement
registering the ATL Common Stock under the Exchange Act, and any registration
statements or amendments thereof which are required to reflect the establishment
of, or amendments to, any employee benefit and other plans necessary or
appropriate in connection with the IPO, the Separation, the Distribution or the
other transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements.

              (c) ATL and Odetics shall enter into the Underwriting Agreement,
in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to ATL and Odetics, and shall
comply with their respective obligations thereunder.

              (d) Odetics and ATL shall consult with each other and the
Underwriters regarding the timing, pricing and other material matters with
respect to the IPO.

              (e) ATL shall use its reasonable best efforts to take all such
action as may be necessary or appropriate under state securities laws of the
United States (and any comparable laws under any foreign jurisdictions) in
connection with the IPO.

              (f) ATL shall prepare, file and use reasonable best efforts to
seek to make effective, an application for listing of the Class A Common Stock
of ATL (the "ATL Common Stock") issued in the IPO on the Nasdaq National Market,
subject to official notice of issuance.

              (g) ATL and Odetics shall participate in the preparation of
materials and presentations as the Underwriters shall deem necessary or
desirable.

              (h) ATL shall pay all third party costs, fees and expenses
relating to the IPO, all of the reimbursable expenses of the Underwriters
pursuant to the Underwriting



                                        6

<PAGE>   7

Agreement, all of the costs of producing, printing, mailing and otherwise
distributing the Prospectus, as well as the Underwriters' discount as provided
in the Underwriting Agreement.

         6.2  Proceeds of the IPO. The IPO will be a primary offering of ATL
Common Stock and the net proceeds of the IPO will be retained by ATL, subject to
its obligation to pay certain amounts to Odetics pursuant to the Note.

         6.3  Conditions Precedent to Consummation of the IPO. As soon as
practicable after the date of this Agreement, the parties hereto shall use their
reasonable best efforts to satisfy the following conditions to the consummation
of the IPO. The obligations of the parties to consummate the IPO shall be
conditioned on the satisfaction, or waiver by Odetics, of the following
conditions:

              (a) The IPO Registration Statement shall have been declared
effective by the Commission, and there shall be no stop-order in effect with
respect thereto.

              (b) The actions and filings with regard to state securities laws
of the United States (and any comparable laws under any foreign jurisdictions)
described in Section 6.1 shall have been taken and, where applicable, have
become effective or been accepted.

              (c) The ATL Common Stock to be issued in the IPO shall have been
accepted for listing on the Nasdaq National Market, on official notice of
issuance.

              (d) ATL shall have entered into the Underwriting Agreement and all
conditions to the obligations of ATL and the Underwriters shall have been
satisfied or waived.

              (e) Odetics shall be satisfied in its sole discretion that it will
own at least 80.0% of the outstanding ATL voting stock following the IPO, and
all other conditions to permit the Distribution to qualify as a tax free
distribution to Odetics' stockholders shall, to the extent applicable as of the
time of the IPO, be satisfied and there shall be no event or condition that is
likely to cause any of such conditions not to be satisfied as of the time of the
Distribution or thereafter.

              (f) No order, injunction or decree issued by any court or agency
of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing the
consummation of the Separation or the IPO or any of the other transactions
contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement shall be in effect.

              (g) Such other actions as the parties hereto may, based upon the
advice of counsel, reasonably request to be taken prior to the Separation and
the IPO in order to assure the successful completion of the Separation and the
IPO and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall have been
taken.

              (h) This Agreement shall not have been terminated.



                                        7

<PAGE>   8

              (i) A pricing committee of Odetics directors designated by the
Board of Directors of Odetics shall have determined that the terms of the IPO
are acceptable to Odetics.


                                  ARTICLE VII.

                                THE DISTRIBUTION


         7.1  The Distribution.

              (a) Subject to the conditions specified in Section 7.3 hereof, on
or prior to the Distribution Date, Odetics will deliver to First National Bank
of Boston (the "Agent") for the benefit of holders of record of Odetics' Class A
Common Stock and Class B Common Stock on the record date established by the
Board of Directors of Odetics, a single stock certificate, endorsed by Odetics
in blank, representing all of the outstanding shares of ATL Common Stock then
owned by Odetics, and shall cause the transfer agent for the shares of Odetics
Common Stock to instruct the Agent to distribute on the Distribution Date the
appropriate number of such shares of ATL Common Stock to each such holder or
designated transferee or transferees of such holder.

              (b) Subject to Section 7.4, each holder of Odetics Common Stock on
the Record Date (or such holder's designated transferee or transferees) will be
entitled to receive in the Distribution a number of shares of ATL Common Stock
equal to the number of shares of Odetics Common Stock held by such holder on the
Record Date multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is the number of
shares of ATL Common Stock beneficially owned by Odetics on the Record Date and
the denominator of which is the number of shares of Odetics Common Stock
outstanding on the Record Date.

              (c) ATL and Odetics, as the case may be, will provide to the Agent
all share certificates and any information required in order to complete the
Distribution on the basis specified above.

         7.2  Actions Prior to the Distribution.

              (a) Odetics and ATL shall prepare and mail, prior to the
Distribution Date, to the holders of Odetics Common Stock, such information
concerning ATL, its business, operations and management, the Distribution and
such other matters as Odetics and ATL shall reasonably determine and as may be
required by law. Odetics and ATL will prepare, and ATL will, to the extent
required under applicable law, file with the Commission any such documentation
and any requisite no action letters which Odetics determines are necessary or
desirable to effectuate the Distribution and Odetics and ATL shall each use its
reasonable best efforts to obtain all necessary approvals from the Commission
with respect thereto as soon as practicable.



                                        8

<PAGE>   9

              (b) Odetics and ATL shall take all such action as may be necessary
or appropriate under the state securities laws of the United States (and any
comparable laws under any foreign jurisdiction) in connection with the
Distribution.

              (c) Odetics and ATL shall take all reasonable steps necessary and
appropriate to cause the conditions set forth in Section 7.3(d) (subject to
Sections 7.3(d)) to be satisfied and to effect the Distribution on the
Distribution Date.

              (d) ATL shall prepare and file, and shall use its reasonable best
efforts to have approved, an application for the listing of the ATL Common Stock
to be distributed in the Distribution on the Nasdaq National Market, subject to
official notice of distribution.

         7.3  Conditions to Distribution. The Odetics Board currently intends to
effect the Distribution by December 31, 1997. Subject to any restrictions
contained in the Underwriting Agreement, the Odetics Board shall have the sole
discretion to determine the date of consummation of the Distribution at any time
after the Closing Date and on or prior to December 31, 1997. Odetics shall be
obligated to consummate the Distribution no later than December 31, 1997,
subject to the satisfaction, or waiver by the Odetics Board in its sole
discretion, of the conditions set forth below. In the event that any such
condition shall not have been satisfied or waived on or before December 31,
1997, Odetics shall consummate the Distribution as promptly as practicable
following the satisfaction or waiver of all such conditions.

              (a) a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service
shall have been obtained, and shall continue in effect, to the effect that,
among other things, the Distribution will qualify as a tax free distribution for
federal income tax purposes under Section 355 of the Code and will not result in
the recognition of any gain to Odetics or Odetics' stockholders, and such ruling
shall be in form and substance satisfactory to Odetics in its sole discretion;

              (b) any material governmental approvals and consents necessary to
consummate the Distribution shall have been obtained and be in full force and
effect;

              (c) no order, injunction or decree issued by any court or agency
of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing the
consummation of the Distribution shall be in effect and no other event outside
the control of Odetics shall have occurred or failed to occur that prevents the
consummation of the Distribution; and

              (d) no other events or developments shall have occurred subsequent
to the date hereof that, in the judgment of the Board of Directors of Odetics,
would result in the Distribution having a material adverse effect on Odetics or
on the stockholders of Odetics.

The foregoing conditions are for the sole benefit of Odetics and shall not give
rise to or create any duty on the part of Odetics or the Odetics Board of
Directors to waive or not waive any such condition.



                                        9

<PAGE>   10

         7.4  Fractional Shares. As soon as practicable after the Distribution
Date, Odetics shall direct the Agent to determine the number of whole shares and
fractional shares of ATL Common Stock allocable to each holder of record or
beneficial owner of Odetics Common Stock as of the Record Date, to aggregate all
such fractional shares and sell the whole shares obtained thereby at the
direction of Odetics either to Odetics, in open market transactions or
otherwise, in each case at then prevailing trading prices, and to cause to be
distributed to each such holder or for the benefit of each such beneficial
owner, in lieu of any fractional share, such holder's or owner's ratable share
of the proceeds of such sale, after making appropriate deductions of any amount
required to be withheld for federal income tax purposes and after deducting an
amount equal to all brokerage charges, commissions and transfer taxes attributed
to such sale. Odetics and the Agent shall use their reasonable best efforts to
aggregate the shares of Odetics Common Stock that may be held by any beneficial
owner thereof through more than one account in determining the fractional share
allocable to such beneficial owner.

         7.5  The ATL Board of Directors. Odetics and ATL shall each take all
actions which may be required to elect or otherwise appoint as directors of ATL,
on or prior to the Distribution Date, persons to be designated by a nominating
committee of ATL's Board of Directors as additional or substitute members of the
Board of Directors of ATL on the Distribution Date.

                                  ARTICLE VIII.

                        MUTUAL RELEASES; INDEMNIFICATION

         8.1  Release of Pre-closing Claims.

              (a) Except as provided in Section 8.1(c), effective as of the date
of consummation of the IPO (the "Closing Date"), ATL does hereby, for itself and
each of its affiliates, successors and assigns, and all persons who at any time
prior to the Closing Date have been stockholders, directors, officers, agents or
employees of ATL (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), remise,
release and forever discharge each of Odetics and its affiliates, successors and
assigns, and all persons who at any time prior to the Closing Date have been
stockholders, directors, officers, agents or employees of Odetics (in each case,
in their respective capacities as such), and their respective heirs, executors,
administrators, successors and assigns, from any and all losses, claims,
actions, damages, expenses or liabilities whatsoever (collectively, the
"Liabilities"), whether at law or in equity (including any right of
contribution), whether arising under any contract or agreement, by operation of
law or otherwise, existing or arising from any acts or events occurring or
failing to occur or alleged to have occurred or to have failed to occur or any
conditions existing or alleged to have existed on or before the Closing Date.

              (b) Except as provided in Section 8.1(c), effective as of the
Closing Date, Odetics does hereby, for itself and its affiliates, successors and
assigns, and all persons who at any time prior to the Closing Date have been
stockholders, directors, officers, agents or



                                       10

<PAGE>   11

employees of Odetics (in each case, in their respective capacities as such),
remise, release and forever discharge ATL, and its affiliates, successors and
assigns, and all persons who at any time prior to the Closing Date have been
stockholders, directors, officers, agents or employees of ATL (in each case, in
their respective capacities as such), and their respective heirs, executors,
administrators, successors and assigns, from any and all Liabilities whatsoever,
whether at law or in equity (including any right of contribution), whether
arising under any contract or agreement, by operation of law or otherwise,
existing or arising from any acts or events occurring or failing to occur or
alleged to have occurred or to have failed to occur or any conditions existing
or alleged to have existed on or before the Closing Date, including in
connection with the transactions and all other activities to implement any of
the Separation, the IPO and the Distribution.

              (c) Nothing contained in Section 8.1(a) or (b) shall impair any
right of any person to enforce this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or any
agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings that are specified
herein or in the Schedules and Exhibits hereto not to terminate as of the
Closing Date, in each case in accordance with its terms. Nothing contained in
Section 8.1(a) or (b) shall release any person from:

                  (i) any liability provided in or resulting from any agreement
between Odetics and ATL that is specified herein or the Schedules and Exhibits
hereto as not to terminate as of the Closing Date, or any other liability
specified as not to terminate as of the Closing Date;

                  (ii) any liability, contingent or otherwise, assumed,
transferred, assigned or allocated to such person;

                  (iii) any liability that the parties may have with respect to
indemnification or contribution pursuant to this Agreement for claims brought
against the parties by third Persons, which liability shall be governed by this
Article VIII and, if applicable, the appropriate provisions of the Ancillary
Agreements.

              (d) ATL shall not make any claim or demand or commence any action
asserting any claim or demand, including any claim of contribution or any
indemnification, against Odetics or any other person released pursuant to
Section 8.1(a), with respect to any liabilities released pursuant to Section
8.1(a). Odetics shall not make any claim or demand, or commence any action
asserting any claim or demand, including any claim of contribution or any
indemnification, against ATL or any other person released pursuant to Section
8.1(b), with respect to any labilities released pursuant to Section 8.1(b).

              (e) It is the intent of each of Odetics and ATL by virtue of the
provisions of this Section 8.1 to provide for a full and complete release and
discharge of all liabilities existing or arising from all acts and events
occurring or failing to occur or alleged to have occurred or to have failed to
occur and all conditions existing or alleged to have existed on or before the
Closing Date, between or among ATL and its affiliates on the one hand, and
Odetics and its affiliates on the other hand (including any contractual
agreements or arrangements existing or alleged to exist between or among any
such persons on or before the



                                       11

<PAGE>   12

Closing Date), except as expressly set forth in Section 8.1(c). At any time, at
the request of any other party, each party shall execute and deliver releases
reflecting the provisions hereof.

         8.2  Indemnification by ATL. Except as provided in Section 8.4, ATL
shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Odetics, and each of its directors,
officers and employees, and each of the heirs, executors, successors and assigns
of any of the foregoing (collectively, the "Odetics Indemnitees"), from and
against any and all Liabilities of the Odetics Indemnitees relating to, arising
out of or resulting from any of the following items (collectively, the ATL
Liabilities"):

              (a) the operation of the ATL Business, as conducted at any time
prior to, on or after the Closing Date (including any Liability relating to,
arising out of or from any act or failure to act by any director, officer,
employee, agent or representative of ATL, whether or not such act or failure to
act is or was within such person's authority); provided however, that ATL shall
not be responsible for and shall not indemnify, defend or hold harmless Odetics
for any tax liability resulting from the reorganization of ATL's international
operations occurring prior to the Closing Date;

         8.2.1  the ownership, leasing or use of any assets of ATL, including,
without limitation, the ATL Assets, any personal property, real property and
leasehold interests of ATL;

              (a) the failure of ATL or any other person to pay, perform or
otherwise promptly discharge any liabilities of ATL or any material contract or
agreement of ATL in accordance with their respective terms, whether prior to or
after the Closing Date or the date hereof;

              (b) any breach by ATL or its affiliates of this Agreement or any
of the Ancillary Agreements; or

              (c) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material
fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, with
respect to all information contained in any IPO Registration Statement or
Prospectus made by ATL or any of its directors, officers, employees, agents or
representatives.

         8.3  Indemnification by Odetics. Odetics shall indemnify, defend and
hold harmless ATL, and each of its directors, officers and employees, and each
of the heirs, executors, successors and assigns of any of the foregoing
(collectively, the "ATL Indemnitees"), from and against any and all Liabilities
of the ATL Indemnitees relating to, arising out of or resulting from any of the
following items:

              (a) the operation of the business of Odetics (other than the ATL
Business), as conducted at any time prior to, on or after the Closing Date
(including any Liability relating to, arising out of or from any act or failure
to act by any director, officer, employee, agent or representative of Odetics,
whether or not such act or failure to act is or was within such person's
authority);



                                       12

<PAGE>   13

         8.3.1 the ownership, leasing or use of any assets of Odetics,
including, without limitation, any personal property, real property and
leasehold interests of Odetics;

              (a) the failure of Odetics or any other person to pay, perform or
otherwise promptly discharge any liabilities of Odetics (other than the ATL
Liabilities) or any material contract or agreement of Odetics in accordance with
their respective terms, whether prior to or after the Closing Date or the date
hereof;

              (b) any breach by Odetics or its affiliates (other than ATL) of
this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements; or

              (c) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material
fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, with
respect to all information contained in any IPO Registration Statement or
Prospectus made by Odetics or any of its directors, officers, employees, agents
or representatives.

         8.4  Indemnification Obligations Net of Insurance Proceeds and Other
Amounts.

              (a) The parties intend that any liability subject to
indemnification or reimbursement pursuant to this Article VIII will be net of
insurance proceeds that actually reduce the amount of the liability.
Accordingly, the amount which any party (an "Indemnifying Party") is required to
pay to any person entitled to indemnification hereunder (an "Indemnitee") will
be reduced by any insurance proceeds theretofore actually recovered by or on
behalf of the Indemnitee in reduction of the related liability. If an Indemnitee
receives a payment (an "Indemnity Payment") required by this Agreement from an
Indemnifying Party in respect of any liability and subsequently receives
insurance proceeds, then the Indemnitee will pay to the Indemnifying Party an
amount equal to the excess of the Indemnity Payment received over the amount of
the Indemnity Payment that would have been due if the insurance proceeds
recovery had been received, realized or recovered before the Indemnity Payment
was made.

              (b) An insurer who would otherwise be obligated to pay any claim
shall not be relieved of the responsibility with respect thereto or, solely by
virtue of the indemnification provisions hereof, have any subrogation rights
with respect thereto, it being expressly understood and agreed that no insurer
or any other third party shall be entitled to a benefit such insurer or other
third party would not be entitled to receive in the absence of the
indemnification provisions by virtue of the indemnification provisions hereof.

         8.5  Procedures for Indemnification of Third Party Claims.

              (a) If an Indemnitee shall receive notice or otherwise learn of
the assertion by any person other than the parties hereto of a claim (a "Third
Party Claim") with respect to which an Indemnifying Party may be obligated to
provide indemnification to such Indemnitee pursuant to Section 8.2 or 8.3, or
any other Section of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, such Indemnitee
shall give such Indemnifying Party written notice thereof



                                       13

<PAGE>   14

within 20 days after becoming aware of such Third Party Claim. Any such notice
shall describe the Third Party Claim in reasonable detail. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the failure of any Indemnitee or other Person to give notice as
provided in this Section 8.5(a) shall not relieve the related Indemnifying Party
of its obligations under this Article VIII, except to the extent that such
Indemnifying Party is actually prejudiced by such failure to give notice.

              (b) An Indemnifying Party may elect to defend (and, unless the
Indemnifying Party has specified any reservations or exceptions, to seek to
settle or compromise), at such Indemnifying Party's own expense and by such
Indemnifying Party's own counsel, any Third Party Claim. Within 30 days after
the receipt of notice from an Indemnitee in accordance with Section 8.5(a), the
Indemnifying Party shall notify the Indemnitee of its election whether the
Indemnifying Party will assume responsibility for defending such Third Party
Claim, which election shall specify any reservations or exceptions. After notice
from an Indemnifying Party to an Indemnitee of its election to assume the
defense of a Third Party Claim, such Indemnitee shall have the right to employ
separate counsel and to participate in (but not control) the defense,
compromise, or settlement thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel
shall be the expense of such Indemnitee except as set forth in the next
sentence. In the event that the Indemnifying Party has elected to assume the
defense of the Third Party Claim but has specified, and continues to assert, any
reservations or exceptions in such notice, then, in any such case, the
reasonable fees and expenses of one separate counsel for all Indemnitees shall
be borne by the Indemnifying Party.

              (c) If an Indemnifying Party elects not to assume responsibility
for defending a Third Party Claim, or fails to notify an Indemnitee of its
election as provided in Section 8.5(b), such Indemnitee may defend such Third
Party Claim at the cost and expense of the Indemnifying Party.

              (d) Unless the Indemnifying Party has failed to assume the defense
of the Third Party Claim in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, no
Indemnitee may settle or compromise any Third Party Claim without the consent of
the Indemnifying Party.

              (e) No Indemnifying Party shall consent to entry of any judgment
or enter into any settlement of the Third Party Claim without the consent of the
Indemnitee if the effect thereof is to permit any injunction, declaratory
judgment, other order or other nonmonetary relief to be entered, directly or
indirectly, against any Indemnitee.

              (f) The provisions of this Section 8.5 shall not apply to Taxes
(which are covered by the Tax Allocation Agreement).



                                       14

<PAGE>   15

                                   ARTICLE IX.

                  INTERIM OPERATIONS AND CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS


         9.1  Insurance Matters.

              (a) ATL agrees that it will reimburse Odetics for its
proportionate share of premiums paid or accrued, from the date hereof until the
Distribution Date, in respect of Insurance Policies under which ATL will
continue to have coverage following the date hereof. Odetics and ATL agree to
cooperate in good faith to provide for an orderly transition of insurance
coverage from the date hereof through the Distribution Date and for the
treatment of any Insurance Policies that will remain in effect following the
Closing Date on a mutually agreeable basis. In no event shall Odetics, or any
Odetics Indemnitee have any liability or obligation whatsoever to ATL in the
event that any Insurance Policy or other contract or policy of insurance shall
be terminated or otherwise cease to be in effect for any reason, shall be
unavailable or inadequate to cover any liability of ATL for any reason
whatsoever or shall not be renewed or extended beyond the current expiration
date.

              (b)(i) Except as otherwise provided in any Ancillary Agreement,
the parties intend by this Agreement that ATL and its affiliates be
successor-in-interest to all rights that any may have as of the Closing Date as
a subsidiary or affiliate of Odetics prior to the Closing Date under any policy
of insurance issued to Odetics by any insurance carrier or under any agreements
related to such policies executed and delivered prior to the Closing Date,
including any rights ATL and its affiliates may have, as an insured or
additional named insured, subsidiary or affiliate to avail itself of any such
policy of insurance or any such agreements related to such policies as in effect
prior to the Closing Date. At the request of ATL, Odetics shall take all
reasonable steps, including the execution and delivery of any instruments, to
effect the foregoing; provided however that Odetics shall not be required to pay
any amounts, waive any rights or incur any liabilities in connection therewith.

              (ii) Except as otherwise contemplated by any Ancillary Agreement,
after the Closing Date, neither of Odetics or ATL shall, without the consent of
the other, provide any such insurance carrier with a release, or amend, modify
or waive any rights under any such policy or agreement, if such release,
amendment, modification or waiver would adversely affect any rights or potential
rights of the other hereunder; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not
(A) preclude either from presenting any claim or from exhausting any policy
limit, (B) require either to pay any premium or other amount or to incur any
liability, or (C) require either to renew, extend or continue any policy in
force. Each of ATL and Odetics will share such information as is reasonably
necessary in order to permit the other to manage and conduct its insurance
matters in an orderly fashion.

              (c) This Agreement shall not be considered as an attempted
assignment of any policy of insurance or as a contract of insurance and shall
not be construed to waive any right or remedy of either Odetics or ATL in
respect of any insurance policy or any other contract or policy of insurance.



                                       15

<PAGE>   16

              (d) ATL does hereby, for itself and its affiliates, agree that
Odetics or any Odetics Indemnitee shall have any liability whatsoever as a
result of the insurance policies and practices of Odetics and its affiliates as
in effect at any time prior to the Closing Date, including as a result of the
level or scope of any such insurance, the creditworthiness of any insurance
carrier, the terms and conditions of any policy, the adequacy or timeliness of
any notice to any insurance carrier with respect to any claim or potential claim
or otherwise.

                                   ARTICLE X.

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

         10.1 Counterparts; Entire Agreement; Corporate Power.

              (a) This Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement may be executed in
one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same
agreement, and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been
signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other party.

              (b) This Agreement, and the Ancillary Agreements and the Exhibits,
Schedules and Appendices hereto and thereto contain the entire agreement between
the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, supersede all previous
agreements, negotiations, discussions, writings, understandings, commitments and
conversations with respect to such subject matter and there are no agreements or
understandings between the parties other than those set forth or referred to
herein or therein.

         10.2 Governing Law. This Agreement and, unless expressly provided
therein, each Ancillary Agreement, shall be governed by and construed and
interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of California without
regard to principles of conflicts of law.

         10.3 Assignability.

              (a) Except as set forth in any Ancillary Agreement, this Agreement
and each Ancillary Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
the parties hereto and thereto, respectively, and their respective successors
and assigns; provided, however, that no party hereto or thereto may assign its
respective rights or delegate its respective obligations under this Agreement or
any Ancillary Agreement without the express prior written consent of the other
parties hereto or thereto.

         10.4 Third Party Beneficiaries. Except for the indemnification rights
under this Agreement of any Odetics Indemnitee or ATL Indemnitee in their
respective capacities as such, (a) the provisions of this Agreement and each
Ancillary Agreement are solely for the benefit of the parties and are not
intended to confer upon any person except the parties any rights or remedies
hereunder, and (b) there are no third party beneficiaries of this Agreement or
any Ancillary Agreement and neither this Agreement nor any Ancillary Agreement
shall provide any



                                       16

<PAGE>   17

third person with any remedy, claim, liability, reimbursement, claim of action
or other right in excess of those existing without reference to this Agreement
or any Ancillary Agreement. No party hereto shall have any right, remedy or
claim with respect to any provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement
to the extent such provision relates solely to the other two parties hereto or
the members of such other two parties' respective Groups. No party shall be
required to deliver any notice under this Agreement or under any Ancillary
Agreement to any other party with respect to any matter in which such other
party has no right, remedy or claim.

         10.5 Notices. All notices or other communications under this Agreement
or any Ancillary Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to be duly
given when (a) delivered in person or (b) deposited in the United States mail or
private express mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

         If to Odetics, to:                 Odetics, Inc.
                                            1515 South Manchester Avenue
                                            Anaheim, California 92802-2907
                                            Attn: Joel Slutzky

         If to ATL, to:                     ATL Products, Inc.
                                            2801 Kelvin Avenue
                                            Irvine, California 92614
                                            Attn: Kevin C. Daly, Ph.D.

Any party may, by notice to the other party, change the address to which such
notices are to be given.

         10.6 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary
Agreement or the application thereof to any Person or circumstance is determined
by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the
remaining provisions hereof or thereof, or the application of such provision to
Persons or circumstances or in jurisdictions other than those as to which it has
been held invalid or unenforceable, shall remain in full force and effect and
shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated thereby, so long as the
economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby,
as the case may be, is not affected in any manner adverse to any party. Upon
such determination, the parties shall negotiate in good faith in an effort to
agree upon such a suitable and equitable provision to effect the original intent
of the parties.

         10.7 Force Majeure. No party shall be deemed in default of this
Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement to the extent that any delay or failure in
the performance of its obligations under this Agreement or any Ancillary
Agreement results from any cause beyond its reasonable control and without its
fault or negligence, such as acts of God, acts of civil or military authority,
embargoes, epidemics, war, riots, insurrections, fires, explosions, earthquakes,
floods, unusually severe weather conditions, labor problems or unavailability of
parts, or, in the case of computer systems, any failure in electrical or air
conditioning equipment. In the event of any such excused delay, the time for
performance shall be extended for a period equal to the time lost by reason of
the delay.


                                       17

<PAGE>   18

         10.8 Publicity. Prior to the Distribution, each of ATL and Odetics
shall consult with the other prior to issuing any press releases or otherwise
making public statements with respect to the IPO, the Distribution or any of the
other transactions contemplated hereby and prior to making any filings with any
governmental authority with respect thereto.

         10.9 Headings. The article, section and paragraph headings contained in
this Agreement and in the Ancillary Agreements are for reference purposes only
and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement
or any Ancillary Agreement.

         10.10 Survival of Covenants and Representations and Warranties. Except
as expressly set forth in any Ancillary Agreement, the covenants,
representations and warranties contained in this Agreement and each Ancillary
Agreement, and liability for the breach of any obligations contained herein,
shall survive each of the Separation, the IPO and the Distribution and shall
remain in full force and effect regardless of whether Odetics shall consummate,
delay, modify or abandon the Distribution.

         10.11 Waivers of Default. Waiver by any party of any default by the
other party of any provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement shall
not be deemed a waiver by the waiving party of any subsequent or other default,
nor shall it prejudice the rights of the other party.

         10.12 Specific Performance. In the event of any actual or threatened
default in, or breach of, any of the terms, conditions and provisions of this
Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, the party or parties who are or are to be
thereby aggrieved shall have the right to specific performance and injunctive or
other equitable relief of its rights under this Agreement or such Ancillary
Agreement, in addition to any and all other rights and remedies at law or in
equity, and all such rights and remedies shall be cumulative. The parties agree
that the remedies at law for any breach or threatened breach, including monetary
damages, are inadequate compensation for any loss and that any defense in any
action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate is
waived. Any requirements for the securing or posting of any bond with such
remedy are waived.

         10.13 Amendments.

              (a) No provisions of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement
shall be deemed waived, amended, supplemented or modified by any party, unless
such waiver, amendment, supplement or modification is in writing and signed by
the authorized representative of the party against whom it is sought to enforce
such waiver, amendment, supplement or modification. Without limiting the
foregoing, the parties agree that any waiver, amendment, supplement or
modification of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement that solely relates to
and affects only two of the three parties hereto shall not require the consent
of the third party hereto.



                                       18

<PAGE>   19

              (b) Without limiting the foregoing, the parties anticipate that,
prior to the Closing Date, some or all of the Schedules to this Agreement may be
amended or supplemented and, in such event, such amended or supplemented
Schedules shall be attached hereto in lieu of the original Schedules.




                                       19

<PAGE>   20

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Separation and
Distribution Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives.

                                       ODETICS, INC.
                                       a Delaware corporation


                                       By: /s/ Joel Slutzky
                                          -------------------------------------
                                          Joel Slutzky, Chief Executive Officer


                                       ATL PRODUCTS, INC.
                                       a Delaware corporation


                                       By: /s/ Kevin C. Daly
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Kevin C. Daly, Chief Executive Officer



                                       20


<PAGE>   1

                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.14 

                            TAX ALLOCATION AGREEMENT

                                 BY AND BETWEEN

                                  ODETICS, INC.

                                       AND

                               ATL PRODUCTS, INC.



<PAGE>   2

                            TAX ALLOCATION AGREEMENT

         THIS TAX ALLOCATION AGREEMENT (the "Agreement"), dated as of March 1,
1997, by and between ODETICS, INC., a Delaware corporation ("Odetics"), and ATL
PRODUCTS, INC., a Delaware corporation ("ATL"), is entered into in connection
with the initial public offering ("IPO") of ATL. For purposes of this Agreement,
ATL shall also be deemed to refer to ATL Products, Inc., a California
corporation, as predecessor of ATL.

         WHEREAS, Odetics on behalf of itself and its present and future
subsidiaries other than ATL and its subsidiaries (the "Odetics Group"), and ATL
on behalf of itself and its subsidiaries (the "ATL Group") have determined that
it is necessary and desirable to provide for allocation between the Odetics
Group and the ATL Group of all responsibilities, liabilities and benefits
relating to taxes paid or payable by either group for all taxable periods,
whether beginning before, on or after the IPO, and to provide for certain other
matters;

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements, provisions
and covenants contained in this Agreement, the parties hereby agree as follows:


                                    ARTICLE I
                                   DEFINITIONS

         1.1 Code: The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

         1.2 Effective Date: April 1, 1996.

         1.3 Post-Spinoff Period: Any taxable period of ATL ending after the
distribution by Odetics of all of its ATL stock.

         1.4 Pre-Spinoff Period: Any taxable period of ATL ending on or before
the distribution by Odetics of all of its ATL stock.

         1.5 Spinoff: The distribution by Odetics of all of its ATL stock.

         1.6 Tax or Taxes: All taxes of the Odetics Group and the ATL Group,
including any additions to tax, interest and penalties relating to such taxes.

         1.7 Tax Benefit: The tax effect of any loss, deduction, credit or other
item that decreases taxes paid or payable.



                                     Page 1

<PAGE>   3

         1.8 Tax Detriment: The tax effect of any income, gain, recapture of
credit or other item that increases taxes paid or payable.


                                   ARTICLE II
                              FILING OF TAX RETURNS

         2.1 Pre-Spinoff Period Income Tax Returns

             (a) Federal Income Tax Returns. The income and other tax items of 
ATL for any Pre-Spinoff Period shall be included in the Odetics consolidated 
federal income tax return; provided that ATL is a member of the Odetics 
"affiliated group" within the meaning of Section 1504 of the Code. Odetics shall
prepare and timely file all consolidated federal income tax returns for all such
periods.

             (b) State Income Tax Returns. Odetics shall prepare and timely file
any consolidated or combined state income tax return that includes an Odetics
Group member and an ATL Group member for all Pre-Spinoff Periods.

         2.2 Other Tax Returns. All tax reports or returns for Pre-Spinoff
Periods not covered by Section 2.1 and all tax reports or returns for
Post-Spinoff Periods shall be prepared and filed by ATL for the ATL Group and by
Odetics for the Odetics Group unless otherwise mutually agreed to by them.

                                   ARTICLE III
                                PAYMENT OF TAXES

         3.1 Payment of Taxes in General

             (a) Except as otherwise provided in this Article III, Odetics shall
pay, and shall indemnify and hold harmless ATL and each other member of the ATL
Group from and against, all Taxes attributable to the Odetics Group and the ATL
Group (including any Taxes arising to any member of the ATL Group by virtue of
Section 1.1502-6 of the Treasury Regulations), whether heretofore or hereafter
arising or incurred. Odetics shall be entitled to any reduction in or refund of
Taxes for which it is responsible pursuant to the preceding sentence (except any
reduction in or refund of Taxes resulting from carrybacks of ATL as described in
Section 3.4).

             (b) ATL shall pay, and shall indemnify and hold harmless each
Odetics Group member from and against, (i) all Taxes attributable to the ATL 
Group (in the case of income or franchise Taxes, as determined under Section 
3.2) for any Pre-Spinoff Period commencing on or after the Effective Date and
(ii) all Taxes for any Post-Spinoff



                                     Page 2

<PAGE>   4

Period that are attributable to the ATL Group. ATL shall be entitled to any
reduction in or refund of Taxes for which it is responsible pursuant to the
preceding sentence.

             (c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Odetics shall
be responsible for, and shall indemnify the ATL Group against any Taxes
resulting from the reorganization of the international operations of Odetics and
ATL prior to the IPO.

             (d) If a member of the Odetics Group or the ATL Group, as the case
may be, receives a refund of Taxes to which the other group is entitled under
this Article III, then such member shall remit such refund to the other group by
promptly sending such refund to Odetics or ATL, as the case may be.

        3.2  Allocation and Payment of Income and Franchise Taxes

             (a) The consolidated Tax liability of the Odetics consolidated
group for each year commencing on or after the Effective Date shall be
apportioned among the Odetics Group and ATL Group members in accordance with
this paragraph. For purposes of this Agreement, the consolidated Tax liability
shall include any liability for alternative minimum Tax. The Tax liability for a
taxable year shall be apportioned only among the members of the Odetics
consolidated group with separate company taxable income for that year (the
"Profit Members"). The Tax liability will be allocated to the Profit Members in
the same ratio as each Profit Member's separate company taxable income bears to
the total of the separate company taxable incomes of all Profit Members. No Tax
liability will be allocated to members of the affiliated group with a taxable
loss computed on a separate return basis ("Loss Members"). The Profit Members
will make payments to Loss Members for Tax Benefits to the Profit Members as a
result of losses or credits generated by the Loss Members. For purposes of
allocating alternative minimum Tax, alternative minimum taxable income amounts
shall be substituted for taxable income amounts in the foregoing calculation.

             (b) The principles set forth in Section 3.2(a) shall be applied for
the allocation of state income Taxes in states where the Odetics affiliated
group files consolidated or combined returns, with appropriate modifications, to
account for differences in the tax laws of the United States and individual
states. As a general rule, the amount of the consolidated or combined Tax
liability to a particular state shall be allocated among the profitable members
of a combined or consolidated group filing in such state based on the relative
amounts of their deemed taxable income in that state. For this purpose, each
member of the consolidated or combined group of corporations filing in a
particular state shall generally be treated as having an amount of deemed
taxable income in that state which that member would be required to report to
the state if the member were filing a separate franchise or income tax return
for the state, but applying the combined apportionment factors which are in
effect for the subject consolidated or combined group of corporations (rather
than the member's individual factors).



                                     Page 3

<PAGE>   5

             (c) Payment of the consolidated or combined income or franchise Tax
liability for a taxable period shall be made according to the schedule of
estimated tax installments and final payments prescribed in the Code or
applicable state law. ATL shall pay to Odetics the ATL Group members' share of
each Tax payment within five (5) days of receiving notice from Odetics, but in
no event more than ten (10) days prior to the due date for each such payment and
no later than such due date. Any overpayment of estimated Tax shall be promptly
refunded to the member which made such overpayment.

       3.3   Adjustments to Tax Liability and Tax Attributes

             (a) Odetics shall be responsible for, and shall indemnify and hold
harmless each member of the ATL Group from and against, all adjustments to Taxes
attributable to the Odetics Group, whether heretofore or hereafter arising or
incurred, except Taxes for which the members of the ATL Group are liable
pursuant to Section 3.1(b).

             (b) Except as provided in Section 3.3(c), Odetics shall be entitled
to any Tax Benefit and shall bear any Tax Detriment resulting from adjustments
to Taxes attributable to the Odetics Group or the ATL Group (except adjustments
resulting from carrybacks of ATL from a Post-Spinoff Period). If an adjustment
to a tax item attributable to the Odetics Group increases the Tax liability of
the Odetics Group and correspondingly reduces a Tax liability for which the ATL
Group is responsible under this Agreement, ATL shall pay promptly to Odetics the
amount of the Tax Benefit realized by the ATL Group. If an adjustment to a tax
item attributable to the Odetics Group reduces the Tax liability of the Odetics
Group and correspondingly increases a Tax liability for which the ATL Group is
responsible under this Agreement, Odetics shall pay promptly to ATL the amount
of the Tax Detriment realized by the ATL Group.

             (c) ATL shall be responsible for, and shall indemnify and hold
harmless each Odetics Group member from and against, all adjustments to Taxes
(i) for any Pre-Spinoff Period commencing on or after the Effective Date with
respect to the ATL Group and (ii) for any Post-Spinoff Period with respect to
the ATL Group. If an adjustment to a tax item for which ATL is responsible under
this Section 3.3 increases the Tax liability of the ATL Group and
correspondingly reduces the Tax liability of the Odetics Group, Odetics shall
pay promptly to ATL the amount of the Tax Benefit realized by the Odetics Group.
If an adjustment to a tax item for which ATL is responsible under this Section
3.3 reduces the Tax liability of the ATL Group and correspondingly increases the
Tax liability of the Odetics Group, ATL shall pay promptly to Odetics the amount
of the Tax Detriment incurred by the Odetics Group.

        3.4  Carrybacks from Post-Spinoff Periods to Pre-Spinoff Periods.
Any loss, credit or other item attributable to the ATL Group and arising in a
Post-Spinoff Period may be carried back to a consolidated or combined return of
the Odetics affiliated group for a



                                     Page 4

<PAGE>   6

Pre-Spinoff Period as permitted under applicable law. Odetics shall cooperate
with any ATL Group member to the extent reasonably necessary (including, without
limitation, amending any return and filing any claim for refund) for such member
to realize the Tax Benefit of carrying such loss, credit or other item back to
such Pre-Spinoff Period. Odetics shall remit promptly to ATL any refund or
reduction in Tax resulting from such carryback; provided, however, that the
amount payable in respect of any such refund shall be reduced by the amount of
any Tax incurred by any Odetics Group member as a result of the accrual or
receipt of the refund.

                                   ARTICLE IV
                                   COOPERATION

        4.1  Cooperation in General

             (a) Each of Odetics and ATL agrees to make available to the other
party documents and records in its custody and in the custody of any member of
its group, to furnish other information and otherwise to cooperate to the extent
reasonably required for the filing of tax returns and the handling of audits of
such other party.

             (b) So long as the ATL Group is included in the consolidated
financial statements of Odetics, ATL shall timely provide the necessary
financial information of the ATL Group to Odetics so that Odetics may prepare a
consolidated tax provision to meet its deadlines.

        4.2  Notice, Defense and Settlement of Tax Claims

             (a) If a member of the Odetics Group or ATL Group receives written
notice of a deficiency, contest, audit or other proceeding with respect to a
proposed Tax liability for which a member of the other group is or may be liable
under this Agreement (including liability hereunder to indemnify or reimburse a
member of the other group), then the recipient shall notify the other group of
such matter by promptly sending written notice thereof to Odetics or ATL, as the
case may be. Odetics and ATL shall cooperate to contest and defend any such
proposed Tax liability, with each party bearing its own expenses relating to
such proceeding. The corporation that is liable under applicable law for such
proposed Tax liability (without regard to this Agreement) shall not settle,
compromise or otherwise agree to pay such liability without the consent of the
party that is liable for such Tax under this Agreement. Such consent shall not
be unreasonably withheld.

             (b) Odetics shall be responsible for responding to any notice of
deficiency, contest, audit or other proceedings with respect to a proposed Tax
liability of a consolidated or combined federal or state tax return of the
Odetics Group or the ATL Group for a Pre-Spinoff Period. ATL shall be
responsible for responding to any notice



                                     Page 5
<PAGE>   7

of deficiency, contest, audit or other proceedings with respect to a proposed
Tax liability of a stand-alone tax return of ATL or any member of the ATL Group
for a Pre-Spinoff Period. In addition, ATL shall be responsible for responding
to any proposed claims for Taxes other than income or franchise taxes, including
but not limited to sales, property and payroll Taxes, attributable to the ATL
Group for a Pre-Spinoff Period. Odetics shall bear the expense of and have
control of such proceedings relating to the ATL Group except in cases involving
Taxes for which the ATL Group is responsible under this Agreement.

         4.3 Confidentiality. The members of both the Odetics Group and the ATL
Group understand the confidential nature of financial information disclosed in
tax returns and the related supporting documentation. Each of Odetics and ATL
(on behalf of themselves and the members of their respective groups) hereby
agrees not to release any tax and supporting documentation or information with
respect to the other party to any outside party (including taxing authorities)
without the consent of the other party, which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld.

                                    ARTICLE V
                             RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES

         Any dispute or ambiguity concerning the amount of any payment provided
for under this Agreement shall be resolved, in a manner consistent with the
principles and procedures set forth in this Agreement, by an internationally
recognized accounting firm (a so-called "Big-Six" accounting firm) jointly
selected by Odetics and ATL. The judgment of such accounting firm shall be
conclusive and binding upon each of the parties to this Agreement. The
accounting firm's fee shall be borne equally by Odetics and ATL.

                                   ARTICLE VI
                                     GENERAL

         6.1 Waiver. Any waiver by any party of any default by the other party
hereunder shall not be deemed to be a continuing waiver of such default or a
waiver of any other default or of any of the terms and conditions of this
Agreement.

         6.2 Amendments. The terms and conditions of this Agreement may not be
superseded, modified or amended except in writing stating that it is such a
modification and signed by an authorized representative of each party hereto.

         6.3 Governing Law; Forum Selection. This Agreement shall be governed by
the laws of the State of California, without reference to conflict of laws
principles. All disputes arising out of this Agreement shall be subject to the
exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the California state courts of Orange County
(or, if there is exclusive federal



                                     Page 6
<PAGE>   8

jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the Southern District of
California), and the parties consent to the personal and exclusive jurisdiction
and venue of these courts.

         6.4 Attorneys' Fees. The prevailing party in any legal action brought
by one party against the other shall be entitled, in addition to any other
rights and remedies it may have, to reimbursement for its expenses incurred
thereby, including court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees.

         6.5 Complete Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement
between the parties as to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes and replaces
all prior or contemporaneous agreements, written or oral, regarding such subject
matter, including any prior tax sharing or tax allocation agreements.

         6.6 Binding Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure
to the benefit of each party hereto, its respective successors and assigns, and
each member of the Odetics Group and the ATL Group not a party hereto.

         6.7 Notices. Any notice which any party desires or is obligated to give
to the other shall be given in writing or by facsimile or telex and sent to the
chief financial officer of the other party. Except as otherwise expressly
provided herein, notice shall be deemed to have been received on the earlier of
the date when actually received or ten (10) days after being deposited in the
mail, postage prepaid, registered or certified mail, or within one (1) day if by
facsimile or telex, promptly confirmed in writing, properly addressed to the
other party.

         6.8 Headings; Counterparts. Headings to sections of this Agreement are
to facilitate reference only, do not form a part of this Agreement and shall not
in any way affect the interpretation hereof. This Agreement may be executed in
two (2) or more counterparts or duplicate originals, all of which shall be
regarded as one and the same instrument, and which shall be the official and
governing version in the interpretation of this Agreement.

         6.9 Partial Invalidity. If any provision in this Agreement shall be
found or be held to be invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction in which
this Agreement is being performed, then the meaning of said provision shall be
construed, to the extent feasible, so as to render the provision enforceable,
and if no feasible interpretation would save such provision, it shall be severed
from the remainder of this Agreement which shall remain in full force and
effect. In such event, the parties shall negotiate, in good faith, a substitute,
valid and enforceable provision which most nearly effects the parties' intent in
entering this Agreement.

         6.10 Additional Members. If during a Pre-Spinoff Period any other
corporation becomes a member of the Odetics Group or the ATL Group, then such
corporation shall join in and be bound by this Agreement.



                                     Page 7
<PAGE>   9

         6.11 Effect of Prior Tax Allocation Agreement. The parties are parties
to an existing tax allocation agreement. Such prior allocation agreement is
superseded by this Agreement retroactive to the Effective Date.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Odetics and ATL have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed by their respective officers, each of whom is duly authorized, as
of the date first above written.


                                                ODETICS, INC.


                                                By  /s/ JOEL SLUTZKY
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                Title  CEO
                                                      --------------------------


                                                ATL PRODUCTS, INC.


                                                By   /s/ KEVIN C. DALY
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                Title  CEO
                                                      --------------------------



                                     Page 8

<PAGE>   1

                                                                EXHIBIT 10.15

                               SERVICES AGREEMENT


         This SERVICES AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of this 21st day of
March, 1997, by and between ODETICS, INC., a Delaware corporation ("Odetics")
and ATL PRODUCTS, INC., a Delaware corporation ("ATL").

                                 R E C I T A L S

         WHEREAS, Odetics and ATL have entered into a Separation and
Distribution Agreement which sets forth the principal transactions between
Odetics and ATL as a result of ATL's recent issuance of additional shares of its
authorized but unissued Class A Common Stock in a registered and underwritten
initial public offering of less than 20% of its outstanding shares and Odetics'
proposed distribution to its stockholders pursuant to a tax free spinoff under
Internal Revenue Code ss. 355 of the Class A Common Stock of ATL which it owns
(the "Distribution"); and

         WHEREAS, ATL desires Odetics to perform certain business, information
and facilities services on ATL's behalf following the Distribution;

         NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto do hereby agree as follows:

         1. Business Services. During the term of this Agreement, Odetics shall
provide to ATL the services set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto (the
"Services") in substantially the same manner and to the same extent as currently
and heretofore provided.

         2. Performance of Services.

                  2.1 Services to be provided by Odetics may, at Odetics's sole
         discretion, be provided, in whole or in part, by affiliates of Odetics.
         Odetics shall not be obligated to acquire new or additional assets, or
         hire new or additional employees, to perform the Services. In addition,
         Odetics may contract with one or more third parties for the performance
         of all or any part of the Services provided (i) the costs to ATL for
         the services to be provided by the third party do not exceed the
         amounts that would have been charged by Odetics, (ii) the level of
         service provided by the third party is at least substantially
         equivalent to that provided by Odetics hereunder, and (iii) such third
         party is reasonably acceptable to ATL. It is currently contemplated
         that the Services will generally continue to be provided by the
         organization that is providing such Services as of the date hereof. ATL
         agrees that all third parties currently providing any Services are
         acceptable third parties to provide Services.

                  2.2 The Services to be provided by Odetics shall be provided
         to ATL as appropriate to reflect the organizational and operational
         structure of ATL; provided,



                                        1

<PAGE>   2

         however, that Odetics shall not be required to provide any Services to
         the extent that the performance of such Services becomes more expensive
         for Odetics as a result of an organizational or operations change by
         ATL.

                  2.3 ATL shall provide to Odetics on a timely basis any and all
         information which is reasonably necessary for Odetics to provide the
         Services. ATL shall be solely responsible for the timely delivery of
         such information, and the accuracy and completeness thereof. ATL shall
         have no right to obtain any confidential or proprietary information of
         Odetics, and any such information so obtained by ATL shall be deemed to
         be confidential and treated in accordance with the provisions of
         Section 7 hereof.

         3. Limitation of Services.

                  3.1 Odetics shall not be required to provide a level of
         service which is higher than that provided currently, at the date of
         this Agreement.

                  3.2 Odetics shall not be required to perform any information
         system services to the extent such services would result in the breach
         of any software license or other applicable contract. If Odetics
         believes it is unable to provide any information systems services
         pursuant to the foregoing, Odetics shall promptly notify ATL. If
         requested by ATL, Odetics shall use reasonable efforts to obtain the
         rights necessary to provide such information system services, including
         obtaining any appropriate consents from third parties. ATL shall be
         responsible for all additional costs and expenses incurred by Odetics
         in order to allow Odetics to provide such information system services.

                  3.3 Odetics shall not be required to provide any Services to
         the extent the performance of such Services becomes impractical as a
         result of a cause or causes outside the reasonable control of Odetics
         or to the extent the performance of such Services would require Odetics
         to violate any applicable laws, rules or regulations.

                  3.4 ODETICS MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR
         IMPLIED, AND ODETICS SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
         MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO
         THE SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED HEREUNDER.

         4.  Fees.

                  4.1 ATL shall pay to Odetics, as fees for the Services
         performed by Odetics pursuant to this Agreement, the amounts set forth
         in Exhibit A, which amounts are intended to represent the fair market
         value of such services. Such fees shall be adjusted throughout the term
         of this Agreement, so that they will reflect fair market value at all
         times. In addition, ATL shall reimburse Odetics for all direct third
         party costs incurred by Odetics in connection with providing the
         Services, provided that such third party costs have been approved in
         advance by ATL.



                                        2

<PAGE>   3

                  4.2 Odetics shall submit to ATL, on a monthly basis, Odetics's
         invoice for Services performed under this Agreement in the preceding
         month. Each invoice shall be payable net thirty (30) days after the
         date of the invoice; however, in the event that ATL, in good faith,
         questions any invoiced item, payment of that item shall be made only
         after the satisfactory resolution of those questions. ATL shall pay a
         service charge of 1% per month for all overdue amounts, other than
         amounts which ATL has, in good faith, questioned.

         5.  Term.

                  5.1 Unless terminated earlier as provided in this Section,
         this Agreement shall terminate as of a date eighteen (18) months after
         the date of this Agreement.

                  5.2 ATL may terminate any of the Services, in whole or in
         part, upon 30 days written notice to Odetics.

                  5.3 This Agreement may be terminated at any time upon the
         mutual consent of the parties.

                  5.4 Either party may terminate this Agreement if the other
         party is in material default under this Agreement and fails to correct
         such default within 30 days after receiving written notice of such
         default.

                  5.5 The parties acknowledge that the purpose of this Agreement
         is to provide the Services on an interim basis to permit ATL to obtain
         alternative sources for the Services. ATL shall use its best efforts to
         obtain alternative sources for the Services as soon as practicable.

         6.  Indemnification.

                  6.1 ATL shall indemnify and hold harmless Odetics, its
         affiliates, and their officers, directors, employees, and agents from
         and against all claims, liabilities, obligations, suits, causes of
         action, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys fees) (collectively
         "Claims") claimed to have resulted, directly or indirectly, in
         connection with the performance of Services by Odetics, provided,
         however, that ATL shall not be required to indemnify or hold harmless
         any indemnitee to the extent the Claims are caused by the gross
         negligence or willful misconduct of such indemnitee.

                  6.2 An indemnitee shall provide written notice to ATL of any
         Claims with respect to which it seeks indemnification, and ATL shall
         assume the defense of such Claims with counsel reasonably satisfactory
         to the indemnitee. If such defense is assumed by ATL with counsel so
         selected, ATL will not be subject to any liability for



                                        3

<PAGE>   4

         any settlement of such Claims made by an indemnified party without
         ATL's consent (such consent to not be unreasonably withheld or
         delayed). No indemnified party will be subject to any liability for any
         settlement of such Claims made by ATL without such party's consent
         (which consent is not to be unreasonably withheld), and such settlement
         shall include an unconditional release of all indemnitees from all
         liability on such Claims. If an indemnified party desires to retain
         separate counsel, such indemnified party shall have the right to do so,
         but ATL will not be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of such
         separate counsel. The parties hereto agree to cooperate fully with each
         other in connection with the defense, negotiation or settlement of any
         legal proceeding, claim or demand and to engage in no action that would
         result in or increase liability on the part of another party.

                  6.3 The provisions of this Section 6 shall survive termination
         of the Agreement.

         7.  Confidentiality.

                  7.1 In the course of performance of this Agreement, either
         party ("Receiving Party") may acquire information the other party
         ("Disclosing Party") deems confidential, including trade secrets and
         unpublished technical or business related information and data to which
         the Disclosing Party (or companies affiliated with the Disclosing
         Party) has proprietary rights. Confidential information shall also
         include information of a third party which the Disclosing Party is
         under an obligation to maintain in confidence. All such information is
         referred to hereinafter as "Disclosed Information."

                  7.2 The Receiving Party shall retain Disclosed Information in
         strict confidence and shall not communicate it to others without the
         Disclosing Party's prior written agreement. Notwithstanding the
         foregoing, Odetics shall be allowed to disclose Disclosed Information
         of ATL to third parties as necessary to perform the Services, provided
         such third parties have undertaken confidentiality obligations
         substantially similar to those set forth in this Section 7.

                  7.3 Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent the communication
         to others of any Disclosed Information which the Receiving Party can
         show was known to it or its representatives prior to its receipt
         hereunder, was lawfully received by the Receiving party and its
         representatives other than directly or indirectly from the Disclosing
         Party or became public knowledge through no fault of the Receiving
         Party.

                  7.4 The provisions of this Section 7 shall survive termination
         of this Agreement for a period of three years.



                                        4

<PAGE>   5

         8.  Miscellaneous.

                  8.1 Notices. All notices required or permitted to be given
         under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be sent by facsimile
         transmission or mailed by registered or certified mail addressed to the
         party to whom such notice is required or permitted to be given. All
         notices shall be deemed to have been given when transmitted if given by
         facsimile and confirmation of receipt is received or, if mailed, 48
         hours after mailed as evidenced by the postmark at the point of
         mailing.

                  All notices to Odetics shall be addressed as follows:

                  Odetics, Inc.
                  1515 South Manchester Avenue
                  Anaheim, California 92802-2907
                  Attn: Joel Slutzky

                  All notices to ATL shall be addressed as follows:

                  ATL Products, Inc.
                  2801 Kelvin Avenue
                  Irvine, California 92614
                  Attn: Kevin C. Daly, Ph.D.


         Either party may, by written notice to the other, designate a new
address to which notices to the party giving the notice shall thereafter be
mailed.

                  8.2 Force Majeure. Odetics shall not be liable for any delay
         or failure of performance to the extent such delay or failure is caused
         by circumstances beyond its reasonable control and that by the exercise
         of due diligence it is unable to prevent, provided that the party
         claiming excuse use its best efforts to overcome the same.

                  8.3 Limitation of Liability. In no event shall Odetics be
         liable to ATL for indirect, consequential, incidental or special
         damages, including but not limited to lost profits, arising from or
         relating to any breach of this Agreement, regardless of any notice of
         such damages. Nothing in this Section is intended to limit or restrict
         the indemnification rights or obligations of either party.

                  8.4 Entirety of Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the
         entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the
         subject matter contained herein and merges all prior discussions
         between them, and neither party shall be bound by any representation
         other than as expressly stated in this Agreement, or by a written
         amendment to this Agreement signed by authorized representatives of
         both parties.



                                        5

<PAGE>   6

                  8.5 Waiver. The failure of either party in any one or more
         instances to insist upon strict performance of any of the terms and
         conditions of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver or
         relinquishment, to any extent, of the right to assert or rely upon any
         such terms or conditions on any future occasion.

                  8.6 Disclaimer of Agency. This Agreement shall not constitute
         either party the legal representative or agent of the other, nor shall
         either party have the right or authority to assume, create, or incur
         any third-party liability or obligation of any kind, express or
         implied, against or in the name of or on behalf of the other party
         except as expressly set forth in this Agreement. The relationship of
         Odetics and ATL shall be solely that of contracting parties and no
         partnership, joint venture or other arrangement of any nature shall be
         deemed to be created hereby.

                  8.7 Severability. In the event any term of this Agreement is
         or becomes or is declared to be invalid or void by any court of
         competent jurisdiction, such term or terms shall be null and void and
         shall be deemed deleted from this Agreement, and all the remaining
         terms of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

                  8.8 Governing Law. The validity, performance and construction
         of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of California without
         regard to principles of conflicts of laws.

                  8.9 Assignment. Except as provided in Section 2, neither party
         shall delegate duties of performance or assign, in whole or in part,
         rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written
         consent of the other party, and any attempted delegation or assignment
         without such written consent shall be of no force or effect. Subject to
         the restrictions contained in the preceding sentence, this Agreement
         shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of both parties.

                  8.10 Amendment. This Agreement shall be amended as mutually
         agreed by Odetics and ATL in order to comply with any requirements
         imposed by the Internal Revenue Service in order to issue a ruling
         pursuant to Section 355 of the Internal Revenue Service Code of 1986,
         as amended.

         This Agreement is executed by the parties as of the date indicated 
above.

ATL PRODUCTS, INC.                             ODETICS, INC.

By:  /s/  Kevin C. Daly                        By:  /s/  Joel Slutzky
    -------------------------------                -----------------------------
     Kevin C. Daly, Ph.D.                            Joel Slutzky,
     Chief Executive Officer                         Chief Executive Officer



                                        6

<PAGE>   7
                                   EXHIBIT A

                               ATL PRODUCTS, INC.
                ODETICS CORPORATE SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED TO ATL
                        FOR THE PERIOD 4/1/97 - 3/31/98

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         AMOUNT                                       ASSUMPTIONS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 QTR        QTR       QTR        QTR       FYE         QTR         QTR          QTR          QTR
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Jun-97     Sep-97     Dec-97    Mar-98     Mar-98     Jun-97       Sep-97       Dec-97       Mar-98 
===================================================================================================================================
<S>                             <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>     <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>
                                                                                    40k sq ft   1.3k sq ft   1.3k sq ft  1.3k sq ft
RENT @ 1515 S Manchester        32,000      3,000      3,000     3,000    41,000       apr          mo           mo         mo
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    1.3 sq ft
                                                                                        mo      
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payroll preparation             16,600     16,600     16,600    16,600    66,400      .75MM        .75MM        .75MM       .75MM
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All other accounting 
  support                       10,800     10,800     10,800    10,800    43,200      .25MM        .25MM        .25MM       .25MM
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MIS Support
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  MRP                            8,150      8,150      8,150     8,150    32,600      .25MM        .25MM        .25MM       .25MM
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Network security               8,150      8,150      8,150     8,150    32,600      .25MM        .25MM        .25MM       .25MM
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Alpha HW/SW 
    maintenance support         11,550     11,550     11,550    11,550    46,200        35%          35%          35%         35%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Alpha lease payment            2,993      2,993      2,993     2,993    11,972        35%          35%          35%         35%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Sun H/S Support                2,100      2,100      2,100     2,100     8,400        35%          35%          35%         35%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phone Switch                         0          0          0         0         0        25%          25%            0           0
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Facilities management            6,500      6,500          0         0    13,000      .25MM        .25MM            0           0
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Associate Relations             30,000     30,000          0         0    60,000        1MM          1MM            0           0
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Health/Insurance Benefits        7,700      7,700      7,700     7,700    30,800      .25MM        .25MM        .25MM       .25MM
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CFO                              25,00     25,000          0         0    50,000       .5MM         .5MM            0           0
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CEO Support                     22,250     22,250                         44,500      .25MM        .25MM            0           0
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         TOTAL                 183,793    154,793     71,043    71,043   480,672
================================================================================
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   8
                              ATL PRODUCTS LIMITED
             OEL FACILITY COSTS AND SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED TO APL
                        FOR THE PERIOD 1/4/97 - 12/31/97

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    AMOUNT                                  ASSUMPTIONS          
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                QTR        QTR        QTR      QTR        FYE        QTR         QTR          QTR         QTR
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Jun-97     Sep-97     Dec-97   Mar-98     Mar-98     Jun-97      Sep-97       Dec-97      Mar-98
==================================================================================================================================
<S>                            <C>        <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>      <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
RENT & RATES                   23,822     23,822     23,822    0         71,466   1.5k sq ft   1.5k sq ft   1.5k sq ft     N/A
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Utilities                       2,616      2,616      2,616    0          7,848   Water, Light, Heat, Cleaning             N/A
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office equipment                2,450      2,450      2,450    0          7,350   fire, phone, copier, s/w, pc spt, etc    N/A
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Depreciation on Tls            11,550     11,550     11,550    0         34,650   Ref: Seymour memo 3/26/97                N/A
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Support
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Warehousing                   2,549      2,549      2,549    0          7,647     1/3 MM        1/3 MM       1/3 MM      N/A
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Accounting                    5,821      5,821      5,821    0         17,463     1/3 MM        1/2 MM       1/2 MM      N/A
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL                          48,808     48,808     48,808    0        146,424
===============================================================================
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.16

                                 PROMISSORY NOTE


$12,997,444                                                        April 1, 1997
                                                             Anaheim, California


         FOR VALUE RECEIVED, ATL Products, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Borrower"), promises to pay to the order of Odetics, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Lender"), at Anaheim, California, or at such other place as
the holder of this Note may from time to time designate in writing, the
principal amount of $12,997,444.00 dollars, with interest on the principal
amount from the date of disbursement of the principal amount at the rate per
annum set forth in this Note, to be paid as set forth in this Note.

         The principal amount of this Note shall bear interest at the rate per
annum equal to Lender's cost of borrowing from the lesser of either of Lender's
primary banks, or Lender's principal bank, as the case may be during the term of
the Note, but shall not exceed the maximum rate of interest permitted by
applicable law.

         The Borrower shall pay the principal amount of this Note and interest
in sixteen (16) equal quarterly installments at the end of each calendar quarter
commencing June 30, 1997 and continuing until all principal and interest have
been fully paid. Each payment of principal shall be accompanied by a payment
equal to all interest accrued on the outstanding principal amount of the Note.

         The Borrower shall have the right to prepay the principal sum of this
Note, or any part thereof or interest thereon, at any time without penalty or
prepayment charge.

         Both principal and interest shall be paid by Borrower in lawful money
of the United States of America in cash or in the form of a cashier's or
certified check.

         If the Borrower shall default in the timely making of any payment of
principal and/or interest due hereunder and if the same remains unpaid for
fifteen (15) days following receipt by Borrower of written notice of such
default the Lender may declare the entire remaining indebtedness owing
hereunder, including any accrued interest, to become immediately due and
payable.

         Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Note, the total
liability of the Borrower for payments in the nature of interest shall not
exceed the limits applicable to this Note, if any, imposed by the usury laws, if
any, of the United States of America or the State of California. If any payment
in the nature of interest made by the Borrower or received by the holder of this
Note is determined to be in excess of any limit applicable to this Note imposed
by such usury laws, then the amount of such excess shall constitute and be
considered a payment of principal, not interest, and such amount shall be
applied to reduce the principal sum so that the total liability of the Borrower
for payments in the nature of interest does not exceed the


<PAGE>   2

applicable limits, if any, imposed by such usury laws. In the event and to the
extent such excess amount of interest exceeds the outstanding unpaid principal
balance hereunder, any such excess amount shall be immediately returned to
Borrower by Lender.

         No delay or omission on the part of the Lender hereof in exercising any
right hereunder shall operate as a waiver of such right or of any other right
under this Note.

         Neither this Note nor any term hereof may be waived, amended,
discharged, modified, changed, or terminated orally, nor shall any waiver of any
provision hereof be effective except by an instrument in writing signed by
Borrower and the Lender thereof.

         Whenever used herein, the words "Borrower" and "Lender" shall be deemed
to include their respective heirs, personal representatives, successors and
assigns.

         All notices to be given under this Note shall be deemed served upon
receipt by the addressee or, if mailed, upon the expiration of seventy-two (72)
hours after deposit in the United States Postal Service, certified mail, postage
prepaid, addressed to the address of Borrower or Lender as hereinafter set
forth:

         Borrower's Address:                 2801 Kelvin Avenue
                                             Irvine, California 92715
                                             Attention:  Chief Executive Officer

         Lender's Address:                   1515 South Manchester Avenue
                                             Anaheim, California 92802-2907
                                             Attention:  Chief Executive Officer

         This Note may from time to time be extended or renewed, with or without
notice to Borrower or any guarantor hereon and any related right may be waived,
exchanged, surrendered or otherwise dealt with, all without affecting the
liability of Borrower or any guarantor hereon.

         There are no oral agreements between the Lender and the Borrower
relating to this Note. If any provision of this Note is held to be invalid or
unenforceable, it shall not affect the validity and enforceability of the other
provisions of this Note. This Note has been executed and delivered in the State
of California and is to be governed by and construed according to the laws
thereof.


                                      -2-


<PAGE>   3

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower has executed this Note as of the date
first hereinabove written.


                                               ATL Products, Inc.


                                               By:  /s/ Kevin C. Daly
                                                    ---------------------------
                                                    Kevin C. Daly, Ph.D.
                                                    Chief Executive Officer


                                       - 3 -


<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.17


               AMENDMENT NUMBER SIX TO LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT


         THIS AMENDMENT NUMBER SIX TO LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT (this
"Amendment"), dated as of March 31, 1997, is entered into by and among IMPERIAL
BANK, a California banking corporation, in its individual capacity and in its
capacity as agent for Banks (as hereinafter defined), and COMERICA
BANK-CALIFORNIA, a California banking corporation (collectively, "Banks"), on
the one hand, and ODETICS, INC., a Delaware corporation ("Parent Borrower"), ATL
PRODUCTS, INC., a California corporation ("ATL"), and GYYR INCORPORATED, a
California corporation ("Gyyr"), on the other hand, with reference to the
following facts:

         A. Banks, Parent Borrower, ATL and Gyyr have previously entered into
that certain Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of August 30, 1994, as
amended by that certain letter agreement, dated as of December 6, 1994, that
certain Amendment Number One to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of March
1, 1995, that certain Amendment Number Two to Loan and Security Agreement, dated
as of June 27, 1995, that certain Amendment Number Three to Loan and Security
Agreement, dated as of December 1, 1995, that certain Amendment Number Four to
Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of February 26, 1996, and that certain
Amendment Number Five to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of December 4,
1996 (the "Agreement"); and

         B. The parties hereto desire to make certain modifications to the
Agreement, including, but not limited to, (i) the release of ATL as a
co-borrower under the Agreement, (ii) the release by Banks of their security
interest in the Assets of ATL, (iii) the termination of the Subsidiary Borrower
Guaranty and (iv) certain modifications to the financial covenants.

         NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

         1. DEFINED TERMS. All initially capitalized terms used but not defined
herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Agreement. In
addition, Section 1.1 of the Agreement is hereby amended by:

            (a) amending the definitions of "Borrowers", "Debt", "Guaranties",
and "Parent Borrower Guaranty" in their entirety as follows:

                  "`Borrowers' means and refers jointly and severally to Parent
         Borrower and Gyyr (each a `Borrower')."

                  "`Debt' means, as of the date of determination, the sum (but
         without duplication) of any and all of a Person's (i) Capitalized Lease
         Obligations, (ii) indebtedness heretofore or hereafter created, issued,
         incurred or assumed by such 


                                       1
<PAGE>   2
         Person (directly or indirectly) for or in respect of borrowed money
         (including, in the case of Borrowers, the Loans), (iii) notes payable
         and drafts accepted representing extensions of credit to such Person,
         whether or not representing obligations for borrowed money, (iv)
         obligations owed by such Person for all or any part of the deferred
         purchase price of property or services, (v) indebtedness secured by any
         Lien on any Asset owned or held by such Person regardless of whether
         the indebtedness secured thereby shall have been assumed by such Person
         or is nonrecourse to the credit of such Person, and (vi) all
         reimbursement or other obligations of such Person under or in respect
         of letters of credit, bankers acceptances, interest rate swaps, caps,
         floors and collars, currency swaps, or other similar financial
         products."

                  "`Guaranties' means the Parent Borrower Guaranty, the Gyyr
         Guaranty, and any other guaranty of the Obligations executed by any
         Person in favor of Banks."

                  "`Gyyr Guaranty' means that certain Continuing Guaranty,
         executed by Gyyr, dated as of December 4, 1996, as amended March 31,
         1997, and as may be further amended from time to time, executed by
         Gyyr, for the benefit of Banks, Agent, and Issuing Bank, respecting the
         Obligations of Parent Borrower."

                  "`Parent Borrower Guaranty' means that certain Continuing
         Guaranty, dated as of even date herewith, as amended December 4, 1996
         and March 31, 1997, and as may be further amended from time to time,
         executed by Parent Borrower, for the benefit of Banks, Agent, and
         Issuing Bank, respecting the Obligations of Gyyr."

            (b) deleting the definitions of "Subsidiary Borrower" and
"Subsidiary Borrower Guaranty" in their entirety.

            (c) adding the following new definitions in appropriate alphabetical
order:

                  "`ATL' means ATL Products, Inc., a California corporation.

                  "`ATL Note' means that certain Promissory Note, dated April 1,
         1997, executed by ATL, as maker, in favor of Odetics, in the original
         principal amount of $12,997,444.

         2. CONSTRUCTION. All references to "any Borrower" in the Agreement
shall be construed to be a reference to "either Borrower."


                                       2
<PAGE>   3
         3. ATL AS BORROWER AND GUARANTOR. Upon the effectiveness of this
Amendment as set forth in Section 8 below, (i) ATL shall cease to be a signatory
to, and "Borrower" under, the Agreement, and shall no longer be bound by any of
the terms and provisions thereof, except for such provisions which by their
terms survive termination of the Agreement, (ii) that certain Continuing
Guaranty, dated as of August 30, 1994, as amended December 4, 1996, executed by
ATL, shall be terminated, and (iii) Agent and Banks shall execute and deliver to
ATL any and all UCC Financing Statement Amendments and/or Terminations as ATL
shall reasonably request in order to release Agent's and Banks' Liens upon the
Assets of ATL.

         4. AMENDMENT TO SECTION 9.12. Section 9.12 of the Agreement is hereby
amended in its entirety as follows:

                  "9.12 INDEBTEDNESS. Incur any Debt outside the ordinary course
         of such Borrower's business, or permit any Subsidiary to do so, except
         for (i) Permitted Debt, and (ii) in the case of ATL, a line of credit
         in a maximum principal amount (exclusive of interest and fees) not to
         exceed Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) from Imperial."

         5. AMENDMENT TO SECTION 10.16. Section 10.16 of the Agreement is hereby
amended in its entirety as follows:

                  "10.16 FINANCIAL COVENANTS. Borrowers shall:

                  "(a) as of the last day of each fiscal quarter of Borrowers,
         maintain on a consolidated basis with the Subsidiaries (including ATL),
         on an operating and after-tax basis (excluding extraordinary income or
         gains), profitability;

                  "(b) as of the last day of each fiscal quarter of Borrowers,
         maintain on a consolidated basis with the Subsidiaries (including ATL),
         a Tangible Net Worth (including minority interests in ATL) in an amount
         not less than the sum of (i) Fifty Million Five Hundred Thousand
         Dollars ($50,500,000) plus (ii) eighty percent (80%) of the cumulative
         consolidated net income (but without any offset for net losses)
         commencing with the fiscal quarter commencing April 1, 1997, and (iii)
         one hundred percent (100%) of the amount of all net cash proceeds
         received upon the issuance of any of each Borrower's or any of their
         Subsidiaries' capital stock after March 31, 1997;

                  "(c) maintain on a consolidated basis with the Subsidiaries
         (including ATL), a ratio of (i) Total Liabilities (excluding minority
         interests in ATL) to (ii) Tangible Net Worth (including minority 


                                       3
<PAGE>   4
         interests in ATL), of not greater than 1.1:1.0 as of the last day of
         each fiscal quarter of Borrowers;

                  "(d) maintain on a consolidated basis with the Subsidiaries
         (including ATL), a ratio of (i) Quick Assets to (ii) the sum of Current
         Liabilities plus the Revolving Loans Daily Balance, of not less than
         0.9:1.0 as of the last day of each fiscal quarter of Borrowers.

                  "(e) [Intentionally Deleted]; and

                  "(f) as of the last day of each fiscal quarter of Borrowers,
         maintain on a consolidated basis with the Subsidiaries (including ATL),
         a ratio of (i) the sum of their net income after taxes for such quarter
         plus their interest expense (exclusive of interest income) for such
         quarter plus their depreciation and amortization expense for such
         quarter, to (ii) the sum of their interest expense (exclusive of
         interest income) for such quarter plus one fourth (1/4th) of the
         current portion of their long-term Debt outstanding as of the end of
         such fiscal quarter, of not less than 1.50:1.0.

         6. REPLACEMENT OF EXHIBIT AND SCHEDULE. Schedule 8.19 and Exhibit 10.12
to the Agreement are hereby deleted in their entirety and replaced,
respectively, with Schedule 8.19 and Exhibit 10.12 attached to this Amendment.

         7. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. In order to induce Banks to enter
into this Amendment, each of Parent Borrower, ATL and Gyyr represents and
warrants to Banks that:

            (a) as of the date hereof, no Event of Default, Unmatured Event of
Default or Material Adverse Effect is continuing;

            (b) all of the representations and warranties set forth in the
Agreement are true, complete and accurate in all respects as of the date hereof
(except for representations and warranties which are expressly stated to be true
and correct as of the Closing Date);

            (c) this Amendment has been duly executed and delivered by Parent
Borrower, ATL and Gyyr, and after giving effect to this Amendment, the Agreement
continues to constitute the legal, valid and binding agreements and obligations
of each of Parent Borrower and Gyyr, enforceable in accordance with its terms,
except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, and similar
laws and equitable principles affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights
generally; and


                                       4
<PAGE>   5
            (d) ATL has completed a public offering of its common stock yielding
at least $16,879,000 in proceeds, net of underwriting discounts and commissions,
of which ATL has paid $6,750,000 to Parent Borrower as a principal reduction on
an intercompany obligation which is currently evidenced by the ATL Note.

         8. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO EFFECTIVENESS OF AMENDMENT. The
effectiveness of this Amendment is subject to and contingent upon the
fulfillment of each and every one of the following conditions on or before the
date of this Amendment:

            (a) Agent, on behalf of Banks and Issuing Bank, shall have received
the following agreements, instruments and documents, in each case in form and
content satisfactory to Agent:

                  (i)      this Amendment, duly executed by Borrowers and Banks;
                           and

                  (ii)     each Consent of Guarantor and Amendment to Guaranty
                           attached to this Amendment, duly executed by Parent
                           Borrower and Gyyr, as applicable.

            (b) Agent shall have received all outstanding and unpaid Bank
Expenses, including but not limited to the legal fees of Buchalter, Nemer,
Fields & Younger and of Gray, Cary, Ware & Freidenrich, and the Bank Expenses
relating to the negotiation preparation and documentation of this Amendment.

            (c) Agent shall have received an executed copy of the ATL Note, in
form and substance satisfactory to Agent.

            (d) No Event of Default, Unmatured Event of Default or Material
Adverse Effect shall be continuing.

            (e) All of the representations and warranties set forth herein and
in the Agreement shall be true, complete and accurate in all respects as of the
date hereof (except for representations and warranties which are expressly
stated to be true and correct as of Closing Date).

         9. COUNTERPARTS; TELEFACSIMILE EXECUTION. This Amendment may be
executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties on separate
counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be
an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and
the same Amendment. Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Amendment by
telefacsimile shall be equally as effective as delivery of a manually executed
counterpart of this Amendment. Any party delivering an executed counterpart of
this Amendment by telefacsimile also shall deliver a manually 


                                       5
<PAGE>   6
executed counterpart of this Amendment but the failure to deliver a manually
executed counterpart shall not affect the validity, enforceability, and binding
effect of this Amendment.

         10. REAFFIRMATION OF THE AGREEMENT. Except as expressly modified by
this Amendment, the Agreement and the Credit Documents shall remain in full
force and effect.

              [Remainder of this page intentionally left blank]


                                       6
<PAGE>   7
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this
Amendment as of the date first hereinabove written.

                              ODETICS, INC., a Delaware corporation


                              By:__________________________________________
                                     Title:________________________________


                              ATL PRODUCTS, INC., a California corporation


                              By:__________________________________________
                                     Title:________________________________


                              GYYR INCORPORATED, a California corporation


                              By:__________________________________________
                                     Title:________________________________


                              IMPERIAL BANK, a California banking
                              corporation, in its individual capacity and
                              in its capacity as agent for Banks


                              By:__________________________________________
                                     Title:________________________________


                              COMERICA BANK-CALIFORNIA, a California
                               banking corporation


                              By:__________________________________________
                                     Title:________________________________


                                       7
<PAGE>   8
                 CONSENT OF GUARANTOR AND AMENDMENT TO GUARANTY


         The undersigned, as "Guarantor" under that certain Continuing Guaranty,
dated as of August 30, 1994 ("Guaranty"), executed in favor of IMPERIAL BANK, a
California banking corporation, in its individual capacity and in its capacity
as agent for Banks (as hereinafter defined), and COMERICA BANK-CALIFORNIA, a
California banking corporation (collectively, "Banks"), as amended by that
certain Consent of Guarantor and Amendment to Guaranty, dated as of December 4,
1996, with respect to the obligations of ODETICS, INC., a Delaware corporation,
GYYR INCORPORATED, a California corporation, and ATL PRODUCTS, INC., a
California corporation (collectively, "Borrowers"), owing to Bank, hereby
acknowledges notice of the foregoing Amendment Number Six to Loan and Security
Agreement, dated as of March 31, 1997, among Borrowers, on the one hand, and
Banks, on the other hand, consents to the terms contained therein, and agrees
that the Guaranty shall remain in full force and effect.

         The undersigned further agrees that the first sentence of the first
paragraph of the Guaranty shall be amended in its entirety as follows:

                  "Reference is hereby made to that certain Loan and Security
         Agreement, dated as of even date herewith (as amended, supplemented,
         restated, replaced, modified, or extended from time to time, the `Loan
         Agreement'), among Gyyr Incorporated, a California corporation
         (`Gyyr'), and Odetics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (`Guarantor'), as
         borrowers, and Imperial Bank, a California banking corporation, and
         Comerica Bank-California, a California banking corporation
         (hereinafter, together with their successors and assigns, `Banks'), as
         banks, Imperial Bank, a California banking corporation, as Issuing Bank
         (as that term is defined in the Loan Agreement), and Imperial Bank, a
         California corporation, as Agent (as that term is defined in the Loan
         Agreement) (Banks, Issuing Bank, and Agent are hereinafter collectively
         referred to as `Guaranteed Parties' and individually as, a `Guaranteed
         Party')."

                              ODETICS, INC., a Delaware corporation


                              By:__________________________________________
                                     Title:________________________________


                                       8
<PAGE>   9
                 CONSENT OF GUARANTOR AND AMENDMENT TO GUARANTY


         The undersigned, as "Guarantor" under that certain Continuing Guaranty,
dated as of December 4, 1996 ("Guaranty"), executed in favor of IMPERIAL BANK, a
California banking corporation, in its individual capacity and in its capacity
as agent for Banks (as hereinafter defined), and COMERICA BANK-CALIFORNIA, a
California banking corporation (collectively, "Banks"), with respect to the
obligations of ODETICS, INC., a Delaware corporation, GYYR INCORPORATED, a
California corporation, and ATL PRODUCTS, INC., a California corporation
(collectively, "Borrowers"), owing to Bank, hereby acknowledges notice of the
foregoing Amendment Number Six to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of March
31, 1997, among Borrowers, on the one hand, and Banks, on the other hand,
consents to the terms contained therein, and agrees that the Guaranty shall
remain in full force and effect.

         The undersigned further agrees that the first sentence of the first
paragraph of the Guaranty shall be amended in its entirety as follows:

                  "Reference is hereby made to that certain Loan and Security
         Agreement, dated as of even date herewith (as amended, supplemented,
         restated, replaced, modified, or extended from time to time, the `Loan
         Agreement'), among Gyyr Incorporated, a California corporation
         (`Guarantor'), and Odetics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (`Borrower'),
         as borrowers, and Imperial Bank, a California banking corporation, and
         Comerica Bank-California, a California banking corporation
         (hereinafter, together with their successors and assigns, `Banks'), as
         banks, Imperial Bank, a California banking corporation, as Issuing Bank
         (as that term is defined in the Loan Agreement), and Imperial Bank, a
         California corporation, as Agent (as that term is defined in the Loan
         Agreement) (Banks, Issuing Bank, and Agent are hereinafter collectively
         referred to as `Guaranteed Parties' and individually as, a `Guaranteed
         Party')."

                              GYYR INCORPORATED,
                              a California corporation


                              By:  /s/
                                 ------------------------------------------
                                     Title:________________________________


                                       9
<PAGE>   10
                                  SUBSIDIARIES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     SUBSIDIARIES              PARENT
     ------------              ------

<S>                         <C>               <C>                                 
ATL PRODUCTS, INC.          ODETICS, INC.     82.9% OWNED SUBSIDIARY, INCORPORATED
                                              IN CALIFORNIA
ODETICS EUROPE, LTD.        ODETICS, INC.     ORGANIZED AND EXISTING UNDER THE LAWS
                                              OF THE UNITED KINGDOM
ODETICS, ASIA PACIFIC       ODETICS, INC.     ORGANIZED AND EXISTING UNDER THE LAWS
                                              OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE
CENTRO CORPORATION          ODETICS, INC.     AN INACTIVE CORP., INCORPORATED IN
                                              CALIFORNIA
ODETICS INTERNATIONAL       ODETICS, INC.     AN INACTIVE CORP., INCORPORATED IN
SALES CORPORATION                             CALIFORNIA
GYYR INCORPORATED           ODETICS, INC.     WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY, INCORPORATED
                                              IN CALIFORNIA
</TABLE>


                                 Schedule 8.19
                                       10
<PAGE>   11
                         FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

         This Compliance Certificate (this "Compliance Certificate") is
delivered by Odetics, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and Gyyr Incorporated, a
California corporation (individually, a "Borrower" and collectively, the
"Borrowers") to Imperial Bank and Comerica Bank-California pursuant to Section
10.12 of the Loan and Security Agreement dated as of August 30, 1994, as
amended, among the Borrowers, Imperial Bank and Comerica Bank-California (as
amended or modified from time to time, the "Agreement"). Initially capitalized
terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the meanings defined in the
Agreement.

         The undersigned hereby certifies and warrants to each Bank that he is
the ______________________ of each Borrower and that, as such, he is authorized
to execute this Compliance Certificate on behalf of each Borrower and further
certifies and warrants to each Bank that as of ______________, 19___ (the
"Computation Date") the following is a true and correct computation of the
ratios and financial tests contained in the Agreement:

     11.  Section 10.16(a) - Profitability

<TABLE>
<S>            <C>                                                                   <C>
          (a)  Consolidated operating income of the Borrowers and their
               Subsidiaries during the fiscal quarter ending on the Computation
               Date (excluding extraordinary income or gains):                       $__________

          (b)  The amount set forth in Item 1(a) may not be less than:                        $0

          (c)  Consolidated net income of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries
               during the fiscal quarter ending on the Computation Date
               (excluding extraordinary income or gains):                            $__________

          (d)  The amount set forth in Item 1(c) may not be less than:                        $0

          (e)  Fiscal year to date cumulative consolidated net income of the
               Borrowers and their Subsidiaries (excluding extraordinary income
               or gains):                                                            $__________

          (f)  The amount set forth in Item 1(e) may not be less than:                        $0
</TABLE>


                                 Exhibit 10.12
                                       1
<PAGE>   12
     12.  Section 10.16(b) - Tangible Net Worth

<TABLE>
<S>            <C>                                                                   <C>
          (a)  Base amount:                                                         $ 50,500,000

          (b)  Cumulative consolidated net income of the Borrowers and their
               Subsidiaries (but without any offset for net losses) from April
               1, 1997 through the Computation Date:                                 $__________

          (c)  80% of Item 2(b):                                                     $__________

          (d)  100% of the aggregate net proceeds received by the Borrowers or
               their Subsidiaries upon the issuance of capital stock after March
               31, 1997:                                                             $__________

          (e)  Item 2(a) plus Item 2(c) plus Item 2(d):                              $__________

          (f)  Consolidated net book value of all Assets of the Borrowers and
               their Subsidiaries as of the Computation Date:                        $__________

          (g)  Consolidated Intangible Assets of the Borrowers and their
               Subsidiaries as of the Computation Date:                              $__________

          (h)  Consolidated Total Liabilities of the Borrowers and their
               Subsidiaries as of the Computation Date (excluding minority
               interests in ATL):                                                    $__________

          (i)  Item 2(f) minus Item 2(g) minus Item 2(h):                            $__________
                      -----           -----

          (j)  The amount in Item 2(i) may not be less than the amount in Item
               2(e).


          13. Section 10.16(c) - Leverage Ratio

               (a)  Consolidated Total Liabilities of the Borrowers and their
                    Subsidiaries as of the Computation Date (excluding minority
                    interests in ATL) (Item 2(h) above):                             $__________
</TABLE>


                                 Exhibit 10.12
                                       2
<PAGE>   13
Attorney wanted to freeze the

<TABLE>
<S>            <C>                                                                   <C>
               (c) The ratio of Item 3(a) to Item 3(b):                              ______:1.00

               (d) The ratio in Item 3(c) may not be greater than:                     1.10:1.00
</TABLE>

          14.  Section 10.16(d) - Quick Ratio

<TABLE>
<S>            <C>                                                                   <C>
               (a)  Consolidated unrestricted cash of the Borrowers and their
                    Subsidiaries as of the Computation Date:                         $__________

               (b)  Consolidated unrestricted Cash Equivalent Investments of the
                    Borrowers and their Subsidiaries as of the Computation Date:     $__________

               (c)  Consolidated gross non-affiliated accounts receivable net of
                    applicable reserves therefor of the Borrowers and their 
                    Subsidiaries as of the Computation Date (excluding costs and 
                    estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted 
                    contracts):                                                      $__________

               (d)  Item 4(a) plus Item 4(b) plus Item 4(c):                         $__________

               (e)  Consolidated Current Liabilities of the Borrowers and their
                    Subsidiaries as of the Computation Date:                         $__________

               (f)  Revolving Loans Daily Balance as of the Computation Date:        $__________

               (g)  Item 4(e) plus Item 4(f):                                        $__________

               (h)  The ratio of Item 4(d) to Item 4(g):                             ______:1.00

               (i)  The ratio in Item 4(h) may not be less than:                       0.90:1.00
</TABLE>


                                 Exhibit 10.12
                                       3
<PAGE>   14
<TABLE>
<S>            <C>                                                                   <C>
          15.  Section 10.16(f) - Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio

          (a)  Consolidated net income of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries
               for the fiscal quarter ending on the Computation Date:                $__________

          (b)  Consolidated interest expense (exclusive of interest income) of
               the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries for the fiscal quarter
               ending on the Computation Date:                                       $__________

          (c)  Consolidated depreciation and amortization expense of the
               Borrowers and their Subsidiaries for the fiscal quarter ending on
               the Computation Date:                                                 $__________

          (d)  Item 5(a) plus Item 5(b) plus Item 5(c):                              $__________

          (e)  Consolidated interest expense (exclusive of interest income) of
               the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries for the fiscal quarter
               ending on the Computation Date:                                       $__________

          (f)  Consolidated current portion of long-term Debt of the Borrowers
               and their Subsidiaries as of the Computation Date:                    $__________

          (g)  25% of Item 5(f):                                                     $__________

          (h)  Item 5(e) plus Item 5(g):                                             $__________

          (i)  The ratio of Item 5(d) to Item 5(h):                                  ______:1.00

          (j)  The ratio in Item 5(i) may not be less than:                          1.50:1.00
</TABLE>


                                 Exhibit 10.12
                                       4
<PAGE>   15
     The undersigned has reviewed the terms of the Agreement and has made, or
caused to be made under his or her supervision, a review in reasonable detail of
the transactions and condition of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries during
the fiscal period covered by this Compliance Certificate. The undersigned does
not (either as a result of such review or otherwise) have any knowledge of the
existence as of the date of this Compliance Certificate of any condition or
event that constitutes an Event of Default or an Unmatured Event of Default,
with the exceptions set forth below in response to which the Borrowers are
taking or propose to take the following actions (if none, so state):

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________


     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Borrower has caused this Compliance Certificate to
be executed and delivered, and the certifications and warranties contained
herein to be made, by its ____________________________ on this _____ day of
_________________, 19___.


                                    ODETICS, INC.


                                    By:_________________________________________
                                    Its:________________________________________


                                    GYYR INCORPORATED


                                    By:_________________________________________
                                    Its:________________________________________


                                 Exhibit 10.12
                                       5

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.18


                                      NOTE

$   5,000,000.00                        Costa Mesa, California,  March 15, 1997

On July 31, 1998      , and as hereinafter provided, for value received, the
undersigned promises to pay to IMPERIAL BANK ("Bank"), a California banking
corporation, or order, at its ORANGE CO. REGIONAL office, the principal sum of
$5,000,000.00 MAXIMUM      or such sums up to the maximum if so stated, as the
Bank may now or hereafter advance to or for the benefit of the undersigned in
accordance with the terms hereof, together with interest from date of
disbursement or      N/A      , whichever is later, on the unpaid principal
balance [ ] at the rate of 0.000 % per year in excess of the rate of interest
which Bank has announced as its prime lending rate (the "Prime Rate"), which
shall vary concurrently with any change in such Prime Rate, or $250.00 ,
whichever is greater. Interest shall be computed at the above rate on the basis
of the actual number of days during which the principal balance is outstanding,
divided by 360, which shall, interest shall [ ] monthly [ ] quarterly [ ]
included with principal [ ] in addition to principal [ ] beginning April 30,
1997      , and if not so paid shall become a part of the principal. All
payments shall be applied first to any late charges owing, then to interest and
the remainder, if any, to principal. [ ] (If checked), Principal shall be
payable in installments of $      , or more, each installment on the      day of
each      , beginning Advances not to exceed any unpaid balance owing at any one
time equal to the maximum amount specified above, may be made at the option of
Bank.

    Any partial prepayment shall be applied to the installments, if any, in
inverse order of maturity. Should default be made in the payment of principal or
interest when due, or in the performance or observance, when due, of any item,
covenant or condition of any deed of trust, security agreement or other
agreement (including amendments or extensions thereof) securing or pertaining to
this note, at the option of the holder hereof and without notice or demand, the
entire balance of principal and accrued interest then remaining unpaid shall (a)
become immediately due and payable, and (b) thereafter bear interest, until paid
in full, at the increased rate of 5% per year in excess of the rate provided for
above, as it may vary from time to time.

    Defaults shall include, but not be limited to, the failure of the maker(s)
to pay principal or interest when due; the filing as to each person obligated
hereon, whether as maker, co-maker, endorser or guarantor (individually or
collectively referred to as the "Obligor") of a voluntary or involuntary
petition under the provisions of the Federal Bankruptcy Act; the issuance of any
attachment or execution against any asset of any Obligor; the death of any
Obligor; or any deterioration of the financial condition of any Obligor which
results in the holder hereof considering itself, in good faith, insecure.

    If any installment payment, interest payment, principal payment or principal
balance payment due hereunder is delinquent ten or more days, Obligor agrees to
pay Bank a late charge in the amount of 5% of the payment so due and unpaid, in
addition to the payment; but nothing in this paragraph is to be construed as any
obligation on the part of the holder of this note to accept payment of any
payment past due or less than the total unpaid principal balance after maturity.

    If this note is not paid when due, each Obligor promises to pay all costs
and expenses of collection and reasonable attorneys fees incurred by the holder
hereof on account of such collection, plus interest at the rate applicable to
principal, whether or not suit is filed hereon. Each Obligor shall be jointly
and severally liable hereon and consents to renewals, replacements and
extensions of time for payment hereof, before, at, or after maturity; consents
to the acceptance, release or substitution of security for this note; and waives
demand and protest and the right to assert any statute of limitations. Any
married person who signs this note agrees that recourse may be had against
separate property for any obligations hereunder. The indebtedness evidenced
hereby shall be payable in lawful money of the United States. In any action
brought under or arising out of this note, each Obligor, including successor(s)
or assign(s) hereby consents to the application of California law, to the
jurisdiction of any competent court within the State of California, and to
service or process by any means authorized by California law.

    No single or partial exercise of any power hereunder, or under any deed of
trust, security agreement or other agreement in connection herewith shall
preclude other or further exercises thereof or the exercise of any other such



                                       1

<PAGE>   2

power. The holder hereof shall at all times have the right to proceed against
any portion of the security for this note in such order and in such manner as
such holder may consider appropriate, without waiving any rights with respect to
any of the security. Any delay or omission on the part of the holder hereof in
exercising any right hereunder, or under any deed of trust, security agreement
or other agreement, shall not operate as a waiver of such right, or of any other
right, under this note or any deed of trust, security agreement or other
agreement in connection herewith.

        See LIBOR Addendum attached

                                           ATL PRODUCTS, INC.
                                           By
- ---------------------------------------    -------------------------------------

- ---------------------------------------    -------------------------------------

- ---------------------------------------    -------------------------------------



                                       2
<PAGE>   3

                           GENERAL SECURITY AGREEMENT
                   (TANGIBLE AND INTANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY)

This Agreement is executed on March 15, 1997, by ATL PRODUCTS, INC.
(hereinafter called "Obligor"). In consideration of financial accommodations
given, to be given or continued, the Obligor grants to IMPERIAL BANK
(hereinafter called "Bank") a security interest in (a) all property (i)
delivered to Bank by Obligor, (ii) which shall be in Bank's possession or
control in any matter or for any purpose, (iii) described below, (iv) now owned
or hereafter acquired by Obligor of the type or class described below and/or in
any supplementary schedule hereto, or in any financing statement filed by Bank
and executed by or on behalf of Obligor; (b) the proceeds, increase and products
of such property, all accessions thereto, and all property which Obligor may
receive on account of such collateral which Obligor will immediately deliver to
Bank (collectively referred to as "Collateral") to secure payment and
performance of all of Obligor's present or future debts or obligations to Bank,
whether absolute or contingent (hereafter referred to as "Debt"). Unless
otherwise defined, words used herein have the meanings given them in the
California Uniform Commercial Code.

Collateral:

A. VEHICLE, VESSEL, AIRCRAFT:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------ ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
                                                        Identification      License or
      Year         Make/Manufacturer      Model         and Serial No.   Registration No.    New or Used
- ------------------ ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S>                <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

Engine or other equipment:
                          ------------------------------------------------------
(For aircraft - original ink signature on copy to FAA)

B.   DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS:

Type             Account Number                  Amount $
     -----------                 --------------            -------------------

In name of                            Depository
             -----------------------             -----------------------------
AND ALL EXTENSIONS OR RENEWALS THEREOF:

C.   ACCOUNTS, INTANGIBLES AND OTHER: (Describe)

        All personal property, whether presently existing or hereafter created
        or acquired, including but not limited to: All accounts, chattel paper,
        documents, instruments, money, deposit accounts and general intangibles
        including returns, repossessions, books and records relating thereto,
        and equipment containing said books and records. All goods including
        equipment and inventory. All proceeds including, without limitation,
        insurance proceeds. All guarantees and other security therefor.

The collateral not in Bank's possession will be located at: see Addendum
attached

                                       3
<PAGE>   4

[ ] If checked, the Obligor is executing this Agreement as an Accommodation
Debtor only and the Obligor's liability is limited to the security interest
granted in the Collateral described herein. The party being accommodated is

("Borrower").

All the terms and provisions on the reverse side hereof are incorporated herein
as though set forth in full, and constitute a part of this Agreement.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       Signature     
                                  (Indicate title, if
           Name                       applicable)                      Address
<S>                            <C>                            <C>

ATL PRODUCTS, INC.
- ----------------------------   ---------------------------    --------------------------
                               BY

- ----------------------------   ---------------------------    --------------------------


- ----------------------------   ---------------------------    --------------------------
</TABLE>



                                       4
<PAGE>   5

Obligor represents, warrants and agrees:

1. Obligor will immediately pay (a) any Debt when due, (b) Bank's costs of
collecting the Debt, of protecting, insuring or realizing on Collateral, and any
expenditure of Bank pursuant hereto, including attorneys' fees and expenses,
with interest at the rate of 24% per year, or the rate applicable to the Debt,
whichever is less, from the date of expenditure, and (c) any deficiency after
realization of Collateral.

2. Obligor will use the proceeds of any loan that becomes Debt hereunder for the
purpose indicated on the application therefore, and will promptly contract to
purchase and pay the purchase price of any property which becomes Collateral
hereunder from the proceeds of any loan made for that purpose.

3. As to all Collateral in Obligor's possession (unless specifically otherwise
agreed to by Bank in writing), Obligor will:

        (a) Have, or has, possession of the Collateral at the location disclosed
        to Bank and will not remove the Collateral from the location.

        (b) Keep the Collateral separate and identifiable.

        (c) Maintain the Collateral in good and saleable condition, repair it if
        necessary, clean, feed, shelter, water, medicate, fertilize, cultivate,
        irrigate, prune and otherwise deal with the Collateral in all such ways
        as are considered good practice by owners of like property, use it
        lawfully and only as permitted by insurance policies, and permit Bank to
        inspect the Collateral at any reasonable time.

        (d) Not sell, contract to sell, lease, encumber or transfer the
        Collateral (other than inventory Collateral) until the Debt has been
        paid, even though Bank has a security interest in proceeds of such
        Collateral.

4. As to Collateral which is inventory and accounts, Obligor:

        (a) May, until notice from Bank, sell, lease or otherwise dispose of
        inventory Collateral in the ordinary course of business only, and
        collect the cash proceeds thereof.

        (b) Will, upon notice from Bank, deposit all cash proceeds as received
        in a demand deposit account with Bank, containing only such proceeds and
        deliver statements identifying units of inventory disposed of, accounts
        which gave rise to proceeds, and all acquisitions and returns of
        inventory as required by Bank.

        (c) Will receive in trust, schedule on forms satisfactory to the Bank
        and deliver to Bank all non-cash proceeds other than inventory received
        in trade.

        (d) If not in default, may obtain release of Bank's interest in
        individual units of inventory upon request, therefore, payment to Bank
        of the release price of such units shown on any Collateral schedule
        supplementary hereto, and compliance herewith as to proceeds thereof.

5. As to Collateral which are accounts, chattel paper, general intangibles and
proceeds described in 4(c) above, Obligor warrants, represents and agrees:

        (a) All such Collateral is genuine, enforceable in accordance with its
        terms, free from default, prepayment, defense and conditions precedent
        (except as disclosed to and accepted by Bank in writing), and is
        supported by consecutively numbered invoices to, or rights against, the
        debtors thereon. Obligor will supply Bank with duplicate invoices or
        other evidence of Obligor's rights on Bank's request; 

        (b) All persons appearing to be obligated on such Collateral have
        authority and capacity to contract;

        (c) All chattel paper is in compliance with law as to form, content and
        manner of preparation and execution and has been properly registered,
        recorded, and/or filed to protect Obligor's interest thereunder;



                                       5

<PAGE>   6

        (d) If an account debtor shall also be indebted to Obligor on another
        obligation, any payment made by him not specifically designated to be
        applied on any particular obligation shall be considered to be a payment
        on the account in which Bank has a security interest. Should any
        remittance include a payment not on an account, it shall be delivered to
        Bank and, if no event of default has occurred, Bank shall pay Obligor
        the amount of such payment;

        (e) Obligor agrees not to compromise, settle or adjust any account or
        renew or extend the time of payment thereof without Bank's prior written
        consent.

6. Obligor owns all Collateral absolutely, and no other person has or claims any
interest in any Collateral, except as disclosed to and accepted by Bank in
writing. Obligor will defend any proceeding which may affect title to or Bank's
security interest in any Collateral, and will indemnify and hold Bank free and
harmless from all costs and expenses of Bank's defense.

7. Obligor will pay when due all existing or future charges, liens or
encumbrances on and all taxes and assessments now or hereafter imposed on or
affecting the Collateral and, if the Collateral is in Obligor's possession, the
realty on which the Collateral is located.

8. Obligor will insure the Collateral with Bank as loss payee in form and
amounts with companies, and against risks and liability satisfactory to Bank,
and hereby assigns such policies to Bank, agrees to deliver them to Bank at
Bank's request, and authorizes Bank to make any claim thereunder, to cancel the
insurance on Obligor's default, and to receive payment of any endorse any
instrument in payment of any loss or return premium. If Obligor should fail to
deliver the required policy or policies to the Bank, Bank may, at Obligor's cost
and expense, without any duty to do so, get and pay for insurance naming as the
insured, at Bank's option, either both Obligor and Bank, or only Bank, and the
cost thereof shall be secured by this Security Agreement, and shall be repayable
as provided in Paragraph 1 above.

9. Obligor will give Bank any information it requires. All information at any
time supplied to Bank by Obligor (including, but not limited to, the value and
condition of Collateral, financial statements, financing statements, and
statements made in documentary Collateral) is correct and complete, and Obligor
will notify Bank of any adverse change in such information. Obligor will
promptly notify Bank of any change or Obligor's residence, chief executive
office or mailing address.

10. Bank is irrevocably appointed Obligor's attorney-in-fact to do any act which
Obligor is obligated hereby to do, to exercise such rights as Obligor may
exercise, to use such equipment as Obligor might use, to enter Obligor's
premises to give notice of Bank's security interest, and to collect Collateral
and proceeds and to execute and file in Obligor's name any financing statements
and amendments thereto required to perfect Bank's security interest hereunder,
all to protect and preserve the Collateral and Bank's rights hereunder. Bank
may:

        (a) Endorse, collect and receive delivery or payment of instruments and
        documents constituting Collateral; 

        (b) Make extension agreements with respect to or affecting Collateral,
        exchange it for other Collateral, release persons liable thereon or take
        security for the payment thereof, and compromise disputes in connection
        therewith;

        (c) Use or operate Collateral for the purpose of preserving Collateral
        or its value and for preserving or liquidating Collateral.

11. If more than one signs this Agreement, their liability is joint and several.
Any Obligor who is married agrees that recourse may be had against separate
property for the Debt. Discharge of any Obligor except for full payment, or any
extension, forbearance, change of rate of interest, or acceptance, release or
substitution of Collateral or any impairment or suspension of Bank's rights
against an Obligor, or any transfer of an Obligor's interest to another shall
not affect the liability of 



                                       6
<PAGE>   7

any other Obligor. Until the Debt shall have been paid or performed in full,
Bank's rights shall continue even if the Debt is outlawed. All Obligors waive:
(a) any right to require Bank to proceed against any Obligor before any other,
or to pursue any other remedy; (b) presentment, protest and notice of protest,
demand and notice of nonpayment, demand or performance, notice of sale, and
advertisement of sale; (c) any right to the benefit of or to direct the
application of any Collateral until the Debt shall have been paid; (d) and any
right of subrogation to Bank until Debt shall have been paid or performed in
full.

12. Upon default, at Bank's option, without demand or notice, all or any part of
the Debt shall immediately become due. Bank shall have all rights given by law,
and may sell, in one or more sales, Collateral in any county where Bank has an
office. Bank may purchase at such sale. Sales for cash or on credit to a
wholesaler, retailer or user of the Collateral, or at public or private auction,
are all to be considered commercially reasonable. Bank may require Obligor to
assemble the Collateral and make it available to Bank at the entrance to the
location of the Collateral, or a place designated by Bank.

        Defaults shall include:

        (a) Obligor's failure to pay or perform this or any agreement with Bank
        or breach of any warranty herein, or Borrower's failure to pay or
        perform any agreement with Bank. 

        (b) Any change in Obligor's or Borrower's financial condition which in
        Bank's judgment impairs the prospect of Borrower's payment or
        performance.

        (c) Any actual or reasonably anticipated deterioration of the Collateral
        or in the market price thereof which causes it, in Bank's judgment, to
        become unsatisfactory as security.

        (d) Any levy or seizure against Borrower or any of the Collateral.

        (e) Death, termination of business, assignment for creditors,
        insolvency, appointment of receiver, or the filing of any petition under
        bankruptcy or debtor's relief laws of, by or against Obligor or Borrower
        or any guarantor of the Debt. 

        (f) Any warranty or representation which is false or is believed in good
        faith by Bank to be false.

13. Bank's acceptance of partial or delinquent payments or the failure of Bank
to exercise any right or remedy shall not waive any obligation to Obligor or
Borrower or right of Bank to modify this Agreement, or waive any other similar
default.

14. On transfer of all or any part of the Debt, Bank may transfer all or any
part of the Collateral. Bank may deliver all or any part of the Collateral to
any Obligor at any time. Any such transfer or delivery shall discharge Bank from
all liability and responsibility with respect to such Collateral transferred or
delivered. This Agreement benefits Bank's successors and assigns and binds
Obligor's heirs, legatees, personal representatives, successors and assigns.
Obligor agrees not to assert against any assignee of Bank any claim or defense
that may exist against Bank. Time is of the essence. This Agreement and
supplementary schedules hereto contain the entire security agreement between
Bank and Obligor. Obligor will execute any additional agreements, assignments or
documents reasonably required by Bank to carry this Agreement into effect.

15. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
laws of the State of California, to the jurisdiction of whose courts the Obligor
hereby agrees to submit. Obligor agrees that service of process may be
accomplished by any means authorized by California law. All words used herein in
the singular shall be considered to have been used in to plural where the
context and construction so require.



                                       7
<PAGE>   8

March 15, 1997


IMPERIAL BANK ("Bank")                              Borrower: ATL Products, Inc.
695 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, California 92626

Subject:    Credit Terms and Conditions (the "Agreement")

Gentlemen:

Subject to the terms and conditions of the Loan Documents (as defined below),
IMPERIAL BANK ("Bank" or "you") shall make loans to ATL Products, Inc.
("Borrower") from time to time as advances are requested by Borrower until July
31, 1998, not to exceed, in the aggregate, $5,000,000. To induce Bank to make
loans to Borrower and in consideration of any loan or loans Bank may make to
Borrower, Borrower warrants and agrees as follows:

A. Borrower Represents and Warrants that:

1. EXISTENCE AND RIGHTS. Borrower is a corporation and is duly organized,
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and is
authorized and in good standing to do business in the State of California;
Borrower has powers and adequate authority, rights and franchises to own its
property and to carry on its business as now conducted, and is duly qualified
and in good standing in each State where failure to so qualify would have a
material adverse effect on the operations of Borrower and Borrower has the power
and adequate authority to make and carry out this Agreement. Borrower has no
investment in any other business entity.

2. AGREEMENT AUTHORIZED. The execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement are duly authorized and do not require the consent or approval of any
governmental body or other regulatory authority; are not in contravention of or
in conflict with any law or regulation or any term or provision of Borrower's
articles of incorporation, by-laws, or Articles of Association, as the case may
be, and this Agreement is the valid, binding and legally enforceable obligation
of Borrower in accordance with its terms, except as the enforceability thereof
may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar laws of general
application relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights or by
general principals of equity.

3. NO CONFLICT. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement are
not in contravention of or in conflict with any agreement, indenture or
undertaking to which Borrower is a party or by which it or any of its property
may be bound or affected, and do not cause any lien, charge or other encumbrance
to be created or imposed upon any such property by reason thereof.

4. LITIGATION. There is no litigation or other proceeding pending or threatened
against or affecting Borrower, and Borrower is not in default with respect to
any order, writ, injunction, decree or demand of any court or other governmental
or regulatory authority



                                       8
<PAGE>   9

(involving in excess of $100,000). Borrower also agrees to notify you in writing
of any future litigation threatened against or affecting borrower that is
reasonably likely to result in damages or costs to Borrower in excess of
$100,000.

5. FINANCIAL CONDITION. The balance sheet of Borrower as of December 31, 1996,
and the related profit and loss statement for the nine (9) months ended on that
date, a copy of which has heretofore been delivered to you by Borrower, and all
other statements and data submitted in writing by Borrower to you in connection
with this request for credit are materially true and correct, and said balance
sheet and profit and loss statement fairly present the financial condition of
Borrower as of the date thereof and the results of operations for the period
covered thereby, and has been prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles on a basis consistently maintained. Since such date there
have been no material adverse changes in the financial condition or business of
Borrower. Borrower has no knowledge of any liabilities, contingent or otherwise,
at such date not reflected in said balance sheet, and Borrower has not entered
into any special commitments or substantial contracts which are not reflected in
said balance sheet, other than in the ordinary and normal course of its
business, which may have a materially adverse effect upon its financial
condition, operations or business as not conducted.

6. TITLE TO ASSETS. Borrower has good title to its assets, and the same are not
subject to any liens or encumbrances other than those permitted by Section C.3
hereof.

7. TAX STATUS. Borrower has no liability for any delinquent state, local or
federal taxes, and, if Borrower has contracted with any government agency,
Borrower has no liability for renegotiation of profits.

8. TRADEMARKS, PATENTS. Borrower, as of the date hereof, possesses all necessary
trademarks, trade names, copyrights, patents, patent rights, and licenses to
conduct its business as now operated, without any known conflict with the valid
trademarks, trade names, copyrights, patents and license rights of others.

9. REGULATION U. The proceeds of the notes have not been used to purchase or
carry margin stock (as defined within Regulation U of the Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve system).

B. Borrower agrees that so long as it is indebted to you, under borrowings, or
other indebtedness, it will, unless you shall otherwise consent in writing:

1. RIGHTS AND FACILITIES. Maintain and preserve all rights, franchises and other
authority adequate for the conduct of its business; maintain its properties,
equipment and facilities in good order and repair; conduct its business in an
orderly manner without voluntary interruption and, if a corporation or
partnership, maintain and preserve its existence.

2. INSURANCE. Maintain public liability, property damage and workers'
compensation insurance and insurance on all its insurable property against fire
and other hazards with responsible insurance carriers to the extent usually
maintained by similar businesses 



                                       9
<PAGE>   10

and/or in the exercise of good business judgment and as to property insurance
have Bank named in a Lenders Loss Payee Endorsement form 438BFU or equivalent

3. TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES. Pay and discharge, before the same become
delinquent and before penalties accrue thereon, all taxes, assessments and
governmental charges upon or against it or any of its properties, and all its
other liabilities at any time existing, except to the extent and so long as:

    (a) The same are being contested in good faith and by appropriate
    proceedings in such manner as not to cause any materially adverse effect
    upon its financial condition or the loss of any right of redemption from any
    sale thereunder; and

    (b) It shall have set aside on its books reserves (segregated to the extent
    required by generally accepted accounting practice) deemed by it adequate
    with respect thereto.

4. FINANCIAL COVENANTS. Maintain the following financial covenants, to be tested
on a quarterly basis, for the periods set forth below, all as computed and
determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles on a
basis consistently maintained by Borrower:

    (a) Maintain a minimum TANGIBLE NET WORTH, defined as the excess of all
    tangible assets (excluding any value for goodwill, trademarks, patents,
    copyrights, organization expenses and other similar intangible items), less
    its liabilities, of not less than $8,750,000 for the period ending March 31,
    1997, and increasing by (i) 90% of net profit after taxes for each reporting
    period thereafter, and with no offset for losses, and (ii) 100% of the
    aggregate net proceeds received by Borrower or their Subsidiaries upon
    issuance of capital stock after March 31, 1997.

    (b) Maintain a maximum LEVERAGE RATIO, defined as its total liabilities to
    its Tangible Net Worth, of not more than 4.00 to 1, beginning with the
    period ending March 31, 1997, and thereafter.

    (c) Maintain a minimum QUICK RATIO, defined as the ratio of Borrower's cash
    and cash equivalents plus accounts receivables to its current liabilities,
    of not less than 1.05 to 1, beginning with the period ending March 31, 1997,
    and thereafter.

    (d) Maintain NET PROFITABILITY AFTER TAXES of not less than $1.00 per fiscal
    quarter, beginning with the period ending March 31, 1997, and thereafter.

5. RECORDS AND REPORTS. Maintain a standard and modern system of accounting in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles on a basis consistently
maintained; permit your representatives to have access to, and to examine its
properties, books and records, upon reasonable notice and at all reasonable
times during normal business hours; and furnish you:

    (a) As soon as available, and in any event within thirty (30) days after the
    close of each month of each fiscal year of Borrower, commencing with the
    month next ending, a balance sheet, profit and loss statement and
    reconciliation of Borrower's 



                                       10
<PAGE>   11

    capital accounts as of the close of such period and covering operations for
    the portion of Borrower's fiscal year ending on the last day of such period,
    all in reasonable detail and stating in comparative form the figures for the
    corresponding date and period in the previous fiscal year, prepared in
    accordance with generally accepted accounting principles on a basis
    consistently maintained by Borrower and certified by an appropriate officer
    of Borrower, subject, however, to year-end audit adjustments. When the month
    end is a fiscal quarter end, Borrower to provide the financial information
    listed above in Form 10-Q, along with a covenant compliance worksheet
    certified by an officer of Borrower, within 45 days of quarter-end;

    (b) As soon as available, and in any event within ninety (90) days after the
    close of each fiscal year of Borrower, a report of audit of Company as of
    the close of and for such fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and stating
    in comparative form the figures as of the close of and for the previous
    fiscal year, with the unqualified opinion of independent certified public
    accountants satisfactory to you, accompanied by a covenant compliance
    worksheet certified by an officer of Borrower;

    (c) Promptly after the receipt thereof by Borrower, copies of any detailed
    audit reports submitted to Borrower by independent accountants in connection
    with each annual or interim audit of the accounts of Borrower made by such
    accountants;

    (d) Budgets, operating plans, and such other information relating to the
    affairs of Borrower as you reasonably may request from time to time.

6. NOTICE OF DEFAULT. Promptly notify Bank in writing of the occurrence of any
Event of Default hereunder or any event which upon notice and lapse of time
would be an Event of Default.

7. BUSINESS ACCOUNTS. Maintain all primary business deposit accounts at Bank.

C. Borrower agrees that so long as it is indebted to you, it will not, without
your written consent:

1. TYPE OF BUSINESS; MANAGEMENT. Make any substantial change in the character of
its business; or make any change in its executive management.

2. OUTSIDE INDEBTEDNESS. Create, incur, assume or permit to exist any
indebtedness for borrowed moneys other than loans from you except obligations
now existing as shown in the financial statement dated December 31, 1996,
excluding those being refinanced by Bank; or sell or transfer, either with or
without recourse, any accounts or notes receivable or any moneys due to become
due, or in the financial statement dated 12/31/96, provided that the principal
amount thereof is not increased or the terms thereof are not modified to impose
more burdensome terms upon Borrower.

3. LIENS AND ENCUMBRANCES. Create, incur, or assume any mortgage, pledge,
encumbrance, lien or charge of any kind (including the charge upon property at
any time purchased or acquired under conditional sale or other title retention
agreement) upon any asset now owned or hereafter acquired by it, other than
liens for taxes not delinquent and liens in your favor.



                                       11
<PAGE>   12

4. LOANS, INVESTMENTS, SECONDARY LIABILITIES. Make any loans or advances to any
person or other entity other than in the ordinary course and normal course of
its business as now conducted or make any investment in the securities of any
person or other entity other than the United States Government; or guarantee or
otherwise become liable upon the obligation of any person or other entity,
except by endorsement of negotiable instruments for deposit or collection in the
ordinary and normal course of its business, provided, however, that the
following loans and investments shall be permitted under this Section C.4:

    a. (i) commercial paper maturing no more that one (1) year from the date of
    creation thereof and currently having the highest rating obtainable from
    either Standard & Poor's Corporation or Moody's Investors Service, Inc., and
    (ii) certificates of deposit maturing more than one (1) year from the date
    of investment therein issued by Bank;

    b. extensions of credit in the nature of accounts receivable or notes
    receivable arising from the sale or lease of goods or services in the
    ordinary course of business;

    c. investments (including debt obligations) received in connection with the
    bankruptcy or reorganization of customers or suppliers and in settlement of
    delinquent obligations of, and other disputes with, customers or suppliers
    arising in the ordinary course of business;

    d. investments consisting of (i) travel advances, employee relocation loans
    and other employee loans and advances in the ordinary course of business ,
    (ii) loans to employees, officers or directors relating to the purchase of
    equity securities of Borrower, (iii) other loans to officers and employees
    approved by the Board of Directors in an amount not to exceed in any one
    fiscal year $50,000 per officer or director or $200,000 in the aggregate for
    all such employees or directors; and

    e. investments of Borrower not otherwise permitted hereunder, aggregating
    not in excess of $50,000 at any one time.

5. ACQUISITION OR SALE OF BUSINESS; MERGER OR CONSOLIDATION. Purchase or
otherwise acquire the assets or business of any person or other entity; or
liquidate, dissolve, merge or consolidate, or commence any proceedings therefor;
or sell any assets except in the ordinary and normal course of its business as
now conducted; or sell, lease, assign, or transfer any substantial part of its
business or fixed assets, or any property or other assets necessary for the
continuance of its business as now conducted, including without limitation the
selling of any property or other asset accompanied by the leasing back of the
same.

6. DIVIDENDS, STOCK PAYMENTS. Declare or pay any dividend (other than dividends
payable in common stock of Borrower) or make any other distribution on any of
its capital stock now outstanding or hereafter issued or purchase, redeem or
retire any of such stock.



                                       12
<PAGE>   13

7. CAPITAL EXPENDITURES. Make or incur obligations for capital expenditures in
excess of $2,200,000 for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1998 or $2,000,000 for
the fiscal year ending March 31, 1999.

D. The occurrence of any of the following events of default (individually an
"Event of Default") shall, at your option, terminate your commitment to lend and
make all sums of principal and interest then remaining unpaid on all Borrower's
indebtedness to you immediately due and payable, all without demand, presentment
or notice, all of which are hereby expressly waived:

1. FAILURE TO PAY NOTE. Failure to pay any installment of principal of or
interest on any indebtedness of Borrower to you.

2. BREACH OF COVENANT. Failure of Borrower to perform any material term or
condition of this Agreement binding upon Borrower.

3. BREACH OF WARRANTY. Any of Borrower's representations or warranties made
herein or any statement or certificate at any time given in writing pursuant
hereto or in connection herewith shall be false or misleading in any material
respect.

4. INSOLVENCY; RECEIVER OR TRUSTEE. Borrower shall become insolvent; or admit
its inability to pay its debts as they mature; or make an assignment for the
benefit of creditors; or apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver
or trustee for it or for a substantial part of its property or business.

5. JUDGMENTS, ATTACHMENTS. Any money judgment, writ or warrant of attachment, or
similar process shall be entered or filed against Borrower or any of its assets
and shall remain unvacated, unbonded or unstayed for a period of 10 days or in
any event later than five days prior to the date of any proposed sale
thereunder.

6. BANKRUPTCY. Bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or liquidation proceedings
or other proceedings for relief under any bankruptcy law or any law for the
relief of debtors shall be instituted by or against Borrower and, if instituted
against it, shall be consented to; provided, however, with respect to an
involuntary petition in bankruptcy such petition shall not have been dismissed
within 60 days after the filing thereof.

E. Miscellaneous Provisions.

1. FAILURE OR INDULGENCE NOT WAIVER. No failure or delay on the part of imperial
Bank or any holder of Notes issued hereunder, in the exercise of any power,
right or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any
single or partial exercise of any such power, right or privilege preclude other
or further exercise thereof or of any other right, power or privilege. All
rights and remedies existing under this agreement or any note issued in
connection with a loan that Imperial Bank may make hereunder, are cumulative to,
and not exclusive of, any rights or remedies otherwise available.

2. CONFLICTS. In the event of a conflict between this Agreement and any other
related document, including but not limited to the General Security Agreement,
Note, Agreement to Provide insurance and Disbursement Instructions, each dated
of even 



                                       13
<PAGE>   14

date herewith (together with this Agreement, the "Loan Documents"), the terms
and conditions of this Agreement shall prevail.

 3. CURE. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default other than non-payment of
amounts due to Bank under the Loan Documents, the Borrower shall have 30 days
from notice from Bank within which to cure any such default. Borrower shall have
five days from the due date of any payment within which to cure such payment
default.


ATL Products, Inc.

BY:
    ---------------------------

ITS:
    ---------------------------

Accepted and Agreed to:
IMPERIAL BANK

BY:
    ---------------------------

ITS:
    ---------------------------



                                       14
<PAGE>   15
                                 LIBOR ADDENDUM


This Libor Addendum ("Addendum") is dated as of March 15, 1997, and is by and
between ATL PRODUCTS, INC. ("Borrower") and Imperial Bank ("Bank"). This
Addendum amends and supplements the Note to which it is attached (the "Note")
and forms a part of and is incorporated into the Note.

     In the event of any inconsistency between the terms herein and the terms of
the Note, the terms herein shall in all cases govern and control. All
capitalized terms herein, unless otherwise defined herein, shall have the
meanings set forth in the Note.

     1. ADVANCES

     1.1 Prime Loans. Advances permitted pursuant to the terms of the Note or
this Addendum which bear interest in relation to Bank's Prime Rate shall be
referred to herein as "Prime Loans" and each such advance shall be a "Prime
Loan." Each Prime Loan shall bear interest at an annual rate equal to the sum of
0.000 % plus the Bank's Prime Rate. "Prime Rate" shall mean the rate of interest
publicly announced by Bank from time to time in Inglewood, California, as its
prime rate for lending. The Prime Rate is not intended to be the lowest rate of
interest charged by Bank in connection with extensions of credit to borrowers.

     1.2 Libor Loans. Advances permitted pursuant to the terms of the Note or
this Addendum which bear interest in relation to the Libor Rate shall be
referred to herein as "Libor Loans" and each such advance shall be a "Libor
Loan." Each Libor Loan shall bear interest at the Libor Rate, as defined below.
A Libor Loan shall be in the minimum amount of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000)
or such greater amount which is an integral multiple of Fifty Thousand Dollars
($50,000). No Libor Loan shall be made after the last Business Day that is at
least three (3) months prior to the Maturity Date described in the Note.

     2. INTEREST ON LIBOR LOANS.

     2.1 Rate of Interest. Each Libor Loan shall bear interest on the unpaid
principal amount thereof from the Loan Date through the date paid (whether by
acceleration or otherwise) at a rate equal to the sum of 2.250% per annum plus
the Libor Rate for the Interest Period.

        (a) "Loan Date" shall mean the date on which (i) a Libor Loan is made, a
Libor Loan is continued, or a Prime Loan is converted to a Libor Loan.

        (b) "Interest Period" shall mean a period of thirty (30), sixty (60), or
ninety (90) days, commencing on the applicable Loan Date, as selected by
Borrower pursuant to Section 2.2; provided, however, that Borrower may not
select an Interest Period that would otherwise extend beyond the Maturity Date
of the Loan. Borrower may also select a twelve (12) month Interest Period if and
when Bank notifies Borrower that such Interest Period is available, as
determined by Bank in its sole discretion.

        (c) "Libor Rate" shall mean, for the applicable Interest Period for a
Libor Loan, a rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1/16
of 1%) equal to (i) the Libor Base Rate for such Interest Period divided by (ii)
1.00 minus the Reserve Requirement Rate (expressed as a decimal fraction) for
such Interest Period.

        (d) "Libor Base Rate" shall mean with respect to any Interest Period,
the rate equal to the arithmetic mean (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the
nearest 1/16 of 1%) of:

           (i) the offered rates per annum for deposits in U.S. Dollars for a
period equal to such Interest Period which appears at 11:00 a.m., London time,
on the Reuters Screen LIBOR Page on 



                                       15
<PAGE>   16
                                 LIBOR ADDENDUM


the Business Day that is two (2) Business Days before the first day of such
Interest Period, in each case if at least four (4) such offered rates appear on
such page, or

           (ii) if clause (i) is inapplicable, (x) the offered rate per annum
for deposits in U.S. Dollars for a period equal to such Interest Period which
appears as of 11:00 a.m., London time on the Telerate Monitor on Telerate Screen
3750 on the Business Day which is two (2) Business Days before the first day of
such Interest Period; or (y) if clause (x) above is inapplicable, the arithmetic
mean (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1/16 of 1%) of the interest
rates per annum offered by at least three (3) prime banks selected by Bank at
approximately 11:00 a.m. London time, on the Business Day which is two (2)
Business Days before such date for deposits in U.S. Dollars to prime banks in
the London interbank market, in each case for a period equal to such Interest
Period in an amount equal to the amount to which the Libor Rate applies.

        (e) "Business Day" means any day on which Bank is open for business in
the State of California.

        (f) "Reuters Screen LIBOR Page" means the display designated as page
LIBOR on the Reuters Monitor Money Rates Service or such other page as may
replace the LIBOR page on that service for the purpose of displaying London
interbank offered rates of major banks.

        (g) "Reserve Requirement Rate" means, for any Interest Period, the
aggregate of the rates, effective as of the Business Day which is two (2)
Business Days before the first day of the Interest Period, at which:

           (i) reserves (including any marginal, supplemental or emergency
reserves) are required to be maintained during such Interest Period under
Regulation D against "Eurocurrency liabilities" (as such term is used in
Regulation D) by member banks of the Federal Reserve System; and

           (ii) any additional reserves are required to be maintained by Bank by
reason of any Regulatory Change against (x) any category of liabilities which
includes deposits by reference to which the Libor Rate is to be determined as
provided in the definition of "Libor Base Rate;" or (y) any category of
extensions of credit or other assets which include Libor Loans.

        (h) "Regulatory Change" means, with respect to Bank, any change on or
after the date of the Note and this Addendum in any Governmental Regulation,
including the introduction of any new Governmental Regulation or the rescission
of any existing Governmental Regulation.

        (i) "Governmental Regulation" means any (i) United States Federal, state
or foreign law or regulation (including without limitation Regulation D); and
(ii) the adoption or making or any interpretation, application, directive or
request applying to a class of lenders, including Bank, of or under any United
States Federal, state, or any foreign law or regulation (whether or not having
the force of law) by any court or by any governmental, central banking, monetary
or taxing authority charged with the interpretation or administration of such
law or regulation.

     2.2 Determination of Interest Rates. Subject to the terms and conditions of
the Note and this Addendum, Borrower, at its option, may request an advance in
the form of a Libor Loan, a continuation of a Libor Loan, or a conversion of a
Prime Loan into a Libor Loan, only upon delivery to Bank of an irrevocable
written notice received by Bank at least three (3) Business Days prior to the
requested Loan Date, specifying (i) the principal amount of such Libor Loan,
(ii) the requested Loan Date, and (iii) the selected Interest Period. Upon
receiving such notice, Bank shall determine (which determination shall be in
accordance with Section 2.1 and shall, absent manifest error, be final,
conclusive and binding upon all parties hereto) the Libor Rate applicable to
such Libor Loan two (2) Business Days prior to the Loan Date, and shall promptly
give notice thereof (in writing or 



                                       16
<PAGE>   17
                                 LIBOR ADDENDUM


by telephone confirmed in writing) to Borrower. If Borrower shall fail to notify
Bank of its selected Interest Period for a Libor Loan (including the
continuation of an existing Libor Loan or the conversion of a Prime Loan into a
Libor Loan), the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of
three (3) months.

     2.3 Computation of Interest and Fees. All computations of interest and fees
payable pursuant to the Note shall be calculated on the basis of a three hundred
sixty (360) day year for the actual number of days elapsed (less the date of
repayment).

     2.4 Recordation by Bank. Bank is hereby authorized to record the Loan Date,
the applicable Interest Period, the principal amount, and the interest rate of
each Libor Loan made (or continued or converted) by Bank, and the date and
amount of each payment or prepayment of principal thereof, in Bank's records.
Any such recordation shall constitute prima facie evidence of the accuracy of
the information recorded; provided that the failure to make any such recordation
shall not in any way affect the Borrower's obligations hereunder.

     3. CONVERSION TO PRIME LOANS.

     3.1 Election by Borrower. Subject to all the terms and conditions of this
Addendum, Borrower may elect from time to time to convert a Libor Loan to a
Prime Loan by giving Bank at least three (3) Business Days' prior irrevocable
notice of such election, and any such conversion of a Libor Loan shall be made
on the last day of the Interest Period with respect thereto.

     3.2 Failure of Notice by Borrower. If Borrower otherwise fails to give
notice specifying its requests with respect to any Libor Loans that are
scheduled to become due, such failure shall be deemed, in the absence of any
notice from Borrower to the contrary, to be notice of a requested advance in the
form of a Prime Loan in a principal amount equal to the amount of said Libor
Loan.

     4. PREPAYMENTS.

     4.1 Voluntary Prepayment by Borrower. Subject to the terms and conditions
of the Note and this Addendum, Borrower may, upon at least three (3) Business
Days' irrevocable notice to Bank as provided herein, at any time and from time
to time on any Business Day prepay any Prime Loan or Libor Loan in whole or in
part, without penalty or premium, other than customary actual "Breakage Fees"
and "Prepayment Costs" as defined below, resulting from prepayment of any Libor
Loan prior to the expiration of the Interest Period relating thereto. The notice
of prepayment shall specify the date and amount of the prepayment, and the Loan
to which the prepayment applies. Each partial prepayment of a Libor Loan shall
be in an amount not less than Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) or such greater
amount which is an integral multiple of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000);
provided, that unless a Libor Loan is prepaid in full, no prepayment shall be
made if, after giving effect to such prepayment, the aggregate principal amount
of Libor Loans having the same Interest Period shall be less than One Million
Dollars ($1,000,000). Notice of prepayment having been delivered as aforesaid,
the principal amount of the prepayment specified in such notice shall become due
and payable on the prepayment date set forth in such notice. All payments of
principal under this Section 4 shall be accompanied by accrued but unpaid
interest on the amount being prepaid through the date of such prepayment.

     4.2 Breakage Fees. If for any reason (including voluntary or mandatory
prepayment, voluntary or mandatory conversion of a Libor Loan into a Prime Loan,
or acceleration), Bank receives all or part of the principal amount of a Libor
Loan prior to the last day of the Interest Period for such Loan, Borrower shall
immediately notify Borrower's account officer at Bank and, on demand by Bank,
pay Bank the Breakage Fees, defined as the amount (if any) by which (i) the
additional interest which would have been payable on the amount so received had
it not been received until the last day of such Interest Period exceeds (ii) the
interest which would have been 



                                       17
<PAGE>   18
                                 LIBOR ADDENDUM


recoverable by Bank (without regard to whether Bank actually so invests said
funds) by placing the amount so received on the deposit in the certificate of
deposit markets or the offshore currency interbank markets or United States
Treasury investment products, as the case may be, for a period starting on the
date on which it was so received and ending on the last day of such Interest
Period at the interest rate determined by Bank in its reasonable discretion.
Bank's determination as to such amount shall be conclusive and final, absent
manifest error.

     4.3 Prepayment Costs. Borrower shall pay to Bank, upon the demand of Bank,
such other amount or amounts as shall be sufficient (in the sole good faith
opinion of Bank) to compensate it for any loss, costs or expense incurred by it
as a result of any prepayment by Borrower (including voluntary or mandatory
prepayment, voluntary or mandatory conversion of a Libor Loan into a Prime Loan,
or prepayment due to acceleration) of all or part of the principal amount of a
Libor Loan prior to the last day of the Interest Period for such Loan (including
without limitation any failure by Borrower to borrow a Libor Loan on the Loan
Date for such borrowing specified in the relevant notice of borrowing
hereunder). Such costs shall include, without limitation, any interest or fees
payable by Bank to lenders of funds obtained by it in order to make or maintain
its loans based on the London interbank eurodollar market. Bank's determination
as to such costs shall be conclusive and final, absent manifest error.

5. REMEDIES UPON EVENTS OF DEFAULT.

     5.1 Conversion to Prime Loans. If any Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing under the Note or this Addendum, then in addition to all other
remedies available to Bank under the Note, at the option of Bank and without
demand or notice, all Libor Loans then outstanding shall be automatically
converted to Prime Loans on the last day or each respective Interest Period for
each Libor Loan.

     5.2 Indemnity. Borrower agrees to pay and indemnify Bank for, and to hold
Bank harmless from, any and all cost, loss or expense (including without
limitation any such cost, loss or expense arising from interest or fees payable
by Bank to lenders of funds obtained by it in order to maintain its Libor Loans
hereunder, or in its reemployment of funds obtained in connection with the
making or maintaining of Libor Loans) which Bank may sustain or incur as a
consequence of any default by Borrower in connection with or related to: (a)
payment of the principal amount of or interest on Libor Loans, (b) making a
borrowing or conversion of a Libor Loan after Borrower has given a notice
thereof in accordance with this Addendum, or (c) making a prepayment of a Libor
Loan after Borrower has given a notice thereof in accordance with this Addendum,
or any prepayment (whether optional or mandatory) of any Libor Loan prior to the
end of the applicable Interest Period for such Loan.

6. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS REGARDING LIBOR LOANS.

     6.1 Libor Rate Taxes. All payments of principal, interest, fees, costs,
expenses and all other amounts payable to Borrower pursuant to the Note and this
Addendum shall be made free and clear of and without reduction by reason of all
present and future income, stamp and other taxes or other charges whatsoever
imposed, assessed, levied or collected by any national government or any
political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or any organization of which
it is a member (excluding (i) any taxes imposed on or measured by the overall
net income or gross receipts of Bank by any such entity, and (ii) any taxes
which would have been imposed even if no provisions for Libor Loans had appeared
in this Addendum) (collectively, "Libor Taxes").

        If any Libor Taxes are required to be withheld from any amounts payable
to Bank, Borrower shall pay such additional amounts as may be necessary so as to
yield to Bank a net amount equal to the total amount of the payments provided
for in this Addendum or under the Note which Bank would have received if such
amounts had not been subject to Libor Taxes.



                                       18
<PAGE>   19
                                 LIBOR ADDENDUM


        If any Libor Taxes are payable directly by Borrower, they shall be paid
by Borrower prior to the date on which penalties attach for failure to timely
pay such Libor Taxes. Within forty five (45) days after the date on which
payment of any such Libor Taxes is due pursuant to applicable law, Borrower will
furnish Bank the original receipt for the full payment of such Libor Taxes or,
if such is not available, evidence of such payment satisfactory in form and
substance to Bank. Borrower shall indemnify and hold Bank harmless against, and
will reimburse to Bank, upon demand, any incremental taxes, interest or
penalties that may become payable by Bank as a result of any failure by Borrower
to pay any Libor Taxes when due.

     6.2 Inability to Determine Fair Interest Rate. If at any time Bank, in its
sole and absolute discretion, determines that: (i) the amount of the Libor Loans
for periods equal to the corresponding Interest Periods are not available to
Bank in the offshore currency interbank markets, (ii) the Libor Rate does not
accurately reflect the cost to Bank of lending the Libor Loan, or (iii) by
reason of any changes arising after the date of the Note affecting the London
interbank eurodollar market, adequate and fair means do not exist for
ascertaining the applicable interest rate on the basis provided for in Sections
2.1 and 2.2 above, then Bank shall promptly give notice thereof to Borrower.
Upon the giving of such notice, Bank's obligation to make Libor Loans shall
terminate, unless Bank and the Borrower agree in writing to a different interest
rate applicable to Libor Loans, or until such time as Bank notifies Borrower
that the circumstances giving rise to Bank's notice no longer exist. While such
circumstances continue to exist, (x) any requested Libor Loan shall be treated
as a request for a Prime Loan, (y) any Prime Loan that was to have been
converted to a Libor Loan shall be continued as a Prime Loan, and (z) any
outstanding Libor Loan shall be converted retroactively, on the first day of the
then current Interest Period with respect thereto, to a Prime Loan.

     6.3 Illegality or Impracticability. If (i) due to any Government Regulation
it shall become unlawful for Bank to continue to fund or maintain any Libor
Loans, or to perform its obligations hereunder, or (ii) due to any contingency
occurring after the date of the Note which has a material adverse effect on the
London interbank eurodollar market, it has become impracticable for Bank to
continue to fund or maintain any Libor Loans, or to perform its obligations
hereunder, then Bank shall promptly give notice thereof to Borrower. Upon the
giving of such notice, Bank's obligation to make Libor Loans shall terminate,
and in such event, (x) any requested Libor Loan shall be treated as a request
for a Prime Loan, (y) any Prime Loan that was to have been converted to a Libor
Loan shall be continued as a Prime Loan, and (z) any outstanding Libor Loan
shall be converted retroactively, on the first date of the then current Interest
Period with respect thereto, to a Prime Loan.

     6.4 Governmental Regulations; Increased Costs. Borrower shall pay to Bank,
within 15 days after demand by Bank, from time to time such amounts as Bank may
determine to be necessary to compensate it for any increased costs incurred by
Bank that Bank determines are attributable to its making or maintaining of any
Libor Loans to Borrower (such increases in costs and reductions in amount
receivable being herein called "Additional Costs"), in each case resulting from
any Regulatory Change which:

        (a) imposes a new tax or changes the basis of taxation of any amounts
payable to Bank under the Note or this Addendum in respect of any Libor Loans
(other than changes which affect taxes measured by or imposed on the overall net
income of Bank by the jurisdiction in which such Bank has its principal office);
or

        (b) imposes or modifies any reserve, special deposit or similar
requirements relating to any extensions of credit or other assets of, or any
deposits or other liabilities with or for the account of Bank (including any
Libor Loans or any deposits referred to in the definition of Libor Base Rate);
or



                                       19
<PAGE>   20
                                 LIBOR ADDENDUM


        (c) imposes any other condition affecting the Note (or any of such
extensions of credit or liabilities); or

        (d) imposes or modifies a Governmental Regulation regarding capital
adequacy which has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on
capital of Bank or any person or entity controlling Bank ("Parent") as a
consequence of its obligations hereunder to a level below that which Bank (or
its Parent) could have achieved but for such adoption, change or compliance
(taking into consideration its policies with respect to capital adequacy) by an
amount deemed by Bank to be material.

        Bank will notify Borrower of any event occurring after the date of the
Note which will entitle Bank to Additional Costs pursuant to this Section 6.4 as
promptly as practicable after it obtains knowledge thereof and determines to
request such compensation. Bank will furnish Borrower with a statement setting
forth the basis and amount of each request by Bank for Additional Costs under
this Section 6.4. Determinations and allocations by Bank for purposes of this
Section 6.4 of the effect of any Regulatory Change on its costs of maintaining
its obligations to make Libor Loans or of making or maintaining Libor Loans or
on amounts receivable by it in respect of Libor Loans, and of the additional
amounts required to compensate Bank in respect of any Additional Costs, shall be
conclusive and final, absent manifest error.

        This Addendum is executed as of the date first written above.

BORROWER                                   BANK
                                           IMPERIAL BANK,
ATL PRODUCTS, INC.                         a California banking corporation,
- -----------------------------              -------------------------------------

a                                          By
- -----------------------------              -------------------------------------
                                                 Officer Name
By                                               Its   OFFICER TITLE
- -----------------------------              -------------------------------------

Its
- ----------------------------- 


By                           
- ----------------------------- 

Its
- ----------------------------- 



                                       20

<PAGE>   1
 
                                   EXHIBIT 21
 
                              LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       STATE OF OTHER
                                        JURISDICTION
                                      OF INCORPORATION
         NAME OF ENTITY                OR ORGANIZATION       OWNERSHIP INFORMATION
- ---------------------------------    -------------------    -----------------------
<S>                                  <C>                    <C>
ATL Products, Inc.                   Delaware               82.9% owned by Odetics
ATL Products Limited                 England and Wales      100% owned by ATL
Centro Corporation                   California             100% owned by Odetics
Gyyr, Inc.                           California             100% owned by Odetics
Odetics Europe Limited               England and Wales      100% owned by Odetics
Odetics Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.       Singapore              100% owned by Odetics
Odetics International Sales          California             100% owned by Odetics
  Corporation
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   1
                                                        
                                                                   Exhibit 23.1



                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
(Form S-3 No. 33-63983) of Odetics, Inc. and in the related Prospectus and in
the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-05735) pertaining to the Amended
and Restated Outside Director Stock Plan of Odetics, Inc. and the Odetics, Inc.
Long-Term Incentive Equity Plan of Odetics, Inc. of our report dated April 29,
1997, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of
Odetics, Inc. included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
March 31, 1997.


                                                /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Orange County, California
June 27, 1997


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          MAR-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             APR-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1997
<CASH>                                          11,359
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   29,424
<ALLOWANCES>                                       669
<INVENTORY>                                     28,277
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                74,371
<PP&E>                                          49,497
<DEPRECIATION>                                (25,668)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 100,938
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           35,195
<BONDS>                                              0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           638
<OTHER-SE>                                      51,190
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   100,938
<SALES>                                        140,808
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               140,808
<CGS>                                           89,003
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  132,716
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                    53
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   669
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               1,890
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  6,149
<INCOME-TAX>                                     2,419
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              3,730
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     3,730
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .55
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .55
        

</TABLE>


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