Robotic Vision Systems, Inc.’s HawkEye 15E Named 'Product of the Year' by Advanced Packaging Magazine

CANTON, MASSACHUSETTS -- July 19, 2002 -- Robotic Vision Systems, Inc. (RVSI)(NASDAQ: ROBV) today said its new HawkEye 15E machine vision system has been named Product of the Year by Advanced Packaging magazine in the Quality Management Tools category.   The award was presented Wednesday evening at Semicon West, the semiconductor capital equipment industry's premier trade show, and marks the second consecutive year in which an RVSI product has been honored with a Product of the Year award.  In 2001, RVSI's DT-8000 tape-and-reel system received the award in the Shipping and Packaging category.

'RVSI targets its R&D investments in products and technologies that produce rapid paybacks for its customers,' said Pat V. Costa, RVSI's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  'Earning Product of the Year two years in a row is an affirmation that the quality of our R&D is second to none in the industry.'

The HawkEye 15E smart camera is a fixed-position one-dimensional (1-D) bar code and two-dimensional (2-D) symbol reader.  It goes beyond conventional smart camera technology by combining unsurpassed laser-targeted reading performance with a compact design for use in constricted work areas.

The HawkEye 15E features 1/10,000th of a second exposure, which freezes moving symbols, making it ideal for items in motion or where vibration is present. The product incorporates an integrated illumination system that enhances the contrast of both paper labels and direct part marks, providing robust marking tolerances and highly reliable read rates. It's QuicSet ™ feature allows for easy set up and deployment without a computer.

Additionally, the HawkEye 15E offers Ethernet networking capability for fast data capture and transfer. In-line verification ensures precise control over in-process marking quality, while sophisticated image processing software accurately captures 2-D direct part marked symbols under varying conditions. Those attributes, combined with extensive I/O interface options with electrical isolation and a rich set of programmable features, give the HawkEye 15E unsurpassed application versatility and configuration flexibility.

About RVSI
Robotic Vision Systems, Inc. (RVSI)(NASDAQ: ROBV) has the most comprehensive line of machine vision systems available today. Headquartered in Canton, Massachusetts, with offices worldwide, RVSI is the world leader in vision-based semiconductor inspection and media transfer equipment. Using leading-edge technology, RVSI joins vision-enabled process equipment, high-performance optics, lighting, and advanced hardware and software to assure product quality, identify and track parts, control manufacturing processes, and ultimately enhance profits for companies worldwide. Currently serving the semiconductor, electronics, automotive, aerospace, pharmaceutical and packaging industries, RVSI holds approximately 100 patents in a broad range of technologies.

Forward Looking Statements
Except for the historical information herein, certain matters discussed in this release include forward-looking statements that may involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may vary significantly based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to: the historical cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry, risks in products and technology development, market acceptance of new products and continuing product demand, the impact of competitive products and pricing, changing economic conditions, both here and abroad, timely development and release of new products, strategic suppliers and customers, the effect of the company's accounting policies and other risk factors detailed in the Company's most recent registration statement, annual report on Form 10-K and 10K/A, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

RVSI
5 Shawmut Road
Canton, MA  02021
Tel: 781-302-2439  Fax: 781-302-2440

For further information contact:
Neal H. Sanders
(781) 302-2439