RVSI Gets $1 Million Data Matrix Order

Data Matrix on high-temperature ceramics for the automotive industry

CANTON, MASSACHUSETTS - October 10, 2001 - Robotic Vision Systems, Inc. (RVSI)(NASDAQ: ROBV) today said its Acuity CiMatrix Division has received an order for equipment to read Data Matrix marks on high-temperature ceramic automotive parts.  The value of the order is approximately $1 million.

Data Matrix 2-D bar codes resemble small checkerboards and are found on an increasing number of products. Unlike one-dimensional bar codes, which can hold a relative handful of digits identifying a manufacturer and product classification numbers, a 2-D Data Matrix mark can encode a sizeable amount of digital information within a small mark. Moreover, while standard bar codes are typically printed on paper labels that are then affixed to product packaging, Data Matrix codes may be marked directly on a product either through ink jet, laser marking, chemical etching, dot peening, lithography, or other methods.

The manufacturer will mark each part with a Data Matrix containing the individual serial number of that piece of equipment, a process called "unit level traceability".  The Data Matrix then becomes a means of tracing the part through the balance of the manufacturing process.  Once the part has been installed in an automobile, the Data Matrix makes it possible to trace the part over the course of its service life.  If the part fails at any time in the future, technicians can quickly trace the part's manufacturing history to determine if the failure was part of a pattern.

RVSI Acuity CiMatrix will supply equipment to the manufacturer for installation on eight assembly lines, including a series of fixed-mount DMx AutoID+™ readers at multiple points on each line.  These readers are an integral part of the data-logging process, using Data Matrix as the part identifier, while the product is being built.  RVSI is also providing machine vision inspection products to automate the quality process.

"This represents another win for our synergistic approach of combining machine vision and unit-level traceability solutions," said Brian Arthur, General Manager for 2-D Systems.  "RVSI stands alone in providing the full breadth of products to solve customer needs, including both fixed-mount and hand-held products."

"Our Symbology Research Center played a central role in creating this application by working with the customer over an extended period of time to experimentally mark prototype product brought to us by this company," said Pat V. Costa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of RVSI.  "Now, the company is implementing Data Matrix in this application and is exploring a much broader implementation of the technology.  We believe this order can also be viewed as part of a larger movement toward wider adoption of Data Matrix for unit level traceability, as several industries, including automotive, recognize its benefits. We expect order cycle time to shrink as this technology enters the implementation phase."

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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.

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