COGNEX INTRODUCES VME PLUG-IN VISION SYSTEM

Checkpoint 400NME Brings Easy-to-Use, Full Capability Machine Vision to
VMEbus-based Industrial Automation Platforms

Natick, MA -- October 27, 1994--Cognex Corporation (NASDAQ:CGNX) today
introduced a new VME plug-in version of the Checkpoint machine vision
system.

The new Checkpoint 400NME enables manufacturers to easily integrate Cognex
machine vision technology into industrial automation platforms based on
the industry-standard VMEbus. By providing the full suite of Checkpoint
features on a VMEbus plug-in board set, the system makes advanced machine
vision much more accessible for high-speed inspection, assembly
verification, on-line dimensional gauging, and machine guidance
applications on factory production lines.

Introduced in early 1994 in a stand-alone chassis, Checkpoint combines
Cognex's proven vision technology with a Microsoft(g Windows interface,
enabling engineers with little programming or machine vision experience to
solve complex automated inspection tasks. The new Checkpoint 400NME is a
board-level version of the system that plugs directly into a user's
existing VME rack, thereby reducing the cost and simplifying the
integration of machine vision into automation systems.

Traditional machine vision systems have been packaged as stand-alone boxes,
with their own power supply, cooling and enclosure. They are usually
coupled to a PLC or other controller with a serial or parallel interface.
The Checkpoint 400NME communicates to other controllers directly over the
VME backplane, eliminating the need for external cabling and improving
communications speed and reliability. By plugging directly into an
existing rack it saves the user both space and the several thousand dollar
cost of a dedicated power supply, enclosure and cooling.

VME is an industry standard open architecture for industrial automation
systems. Because it provides very high speed communications and the
ability to operate several independent controllers in the same rack, it is
ideal for real-time control applications which combine motion control,
machine vision, and discrete l/O. Users of VME controllers can purchase
"best of class" components from specialty vendors such as Cognex, and
integrate these components into a single unified chassis.

The ability to specify the best available product for each task makes VME
especially attractive to machine builders, system integrators, and
advanced end users. VME solutions for factory automation have become a
popular alternative to traditional proprietary PLC and motion control
architectures. In fact, many major PLC and motion control vendors now
offer a VME based system as part of their product line.

Initial customers for Cognex's Checkpoint 400NME system include: 1) a major
manufacturer of consumer products who is integrating the system into an
internally developed VME machine controller so that products can be
inspected for flaws and defects on-line; 2) a leading electronic materials
manufacturer who is using the system to provide real time visual feedback
to a VME motion controller to directly control a forming process; 3) an
industrial abrasives manufacturer who is integrating the Checkpoint system
into a VME PLC for on-line dimensional gauging of part dimensions.

A Checkpoint 400NME starter system includes everything needed to develop
and deploy a vision solution within a VMEbus environment: Checkpoint model
400NME vision processor, Checkpoint machine vision software, Windows-based
application development software (for the customer's own PC), camera kit,
color monitor, documentation, and training materials. Prices start at
$19,900 for deployment versions of the 400NME, with discounts for system
integrators and volume end users. The price of a complete starter system
is $25,900.

Cognex Corporation designs, develops, manufactures, and markets machine
vision systems, or computers that can "see," which are used to automate a
wide range of manufacturing processes where vision is required. Having
shipped more than 20,000 machine vision systems to date, Cognex is the
world's leader in the machine vision industry. In addition to its
headquarters in Natick, Massachusetts, the company has offices throughout
the United States and in Japan, England, France and Germany.

Cognex Corp
One Vision Dr
Natick, MA 01760-2059
508-650-3000,  fax 508-650-3333

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