EXHIBIT 23.1

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

     We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statements (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Odetics, Inc. for
the registration of 55,245 shares of its Class A Common Stock and to the
incorporation by reference therein of our report dated May 4, 1998 with respect
to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Odetics, Inc. included
in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended March 31, 1998, filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                 /s/  Ernst & Young LLP

Orange County, California
November 2, 1998