EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
  We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
(Form S-3 Nos. 33-63983 and 333-40555) of Odetics, Inc. and in the related
Prospectuses, and in the Registration Statements (Form S-8 Nos. 333-05735 and
333-44907) of our report dated May 4, 1998, 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, 1998.
 
                                          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
Orange County, California
June 26, 1998