RVSI Gets Order for Semiconductor Inspection Systems

CANTON, MASSACHUSETTS - August 30, 2001 -Robotic Vision Systems, Inc. (RVSI) (Nasdaq: ROBV) today said its Semiconductor Equipment Group has received orders for two semiconductor inspection systems from one of the world's largest manufacturers of integrated circuits. Shipment of both systems is expected to occur during September.  The company believes it will receive additional orders from the same customer as part of the same program. Machine-vision-based semiconductor inspection systems are used by chip manufacturers to examine packaged integrated circuits. Depending upon options, such systems can cost up to $500,000 each.  RVSI's systems check to ensure that leads or ball-grid arrays on finished integrated circuits meet specification, and also perform package visual inspection to find surface defects on parts. RVSI's patented, laser-based 3-D technology provides the highest quality of machine vision available for connector, lead, and ball- grid-array inspection.

"These system orders are being driven by the industry's growing investment in flip-chip BGA packaging," said Michael Gray, Vice President - Sales and Marketing of RVSI Electronics. "This multi-unit lead scanner order is fresh evidence that, even in an industry downturn, semiconductor companies continue to make strategic investment in support of technologies that drive down costs.  We are pleased to be the supplier of the inspection systems that get these new packages to market more quickly."

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. Serving the semiconductor, electronics, aerospace, automotive, pharmaceutical and packaging industries, RVSI holds approximately 100 patents in a broad range of technologies.

Forward Looking Statement
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