The first generation spectro::lyser was developed in the University of Vienna and s::can was the spin out from that development. In 1999, the first generation spectro::lyser was born. It had an aluminium body and automated cleaning of the sensors was carried out via a clamp on compressed air connection. It was typically used in environmental monitoring applications off the network. When utilised in a water or wastewater treatment works, it was paired with a constat controller.

Ten years after the launch of the V1 spectro::lyser came the second generation spectro::lyser (V2). This utilised the same fundamental optics as the first generation, offering long term stability of measurements and no associated costs with changing light sources or filters.  The body of the sensor was manufactured from stainless steel, adding increased robustness for challenging applications.  Additionally, automated cleaning functionality was made easier by the addition of integral compressed air connections and a clamp on brush cleaning mechanisms (the ruck::sack). With the addition to the range of a titanium bodied spectro::lyser in 2017 , the sensor was also enabled to be used in highly saline conditions such as marine and estuarine monitoring.