RVSI Receives $2.9 Million in Equipment Orders for Latest Generation Lead

NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE -- Robotic Vision Systems, Inc. (RVSI) (OTC Bulletin Board: RVSI.OB) today said it has received orders for two Taiwan-based subcontract semiconductor test, assembly and packaging organizations for end-of-line inspection equipment, also known as lead scanners.  The two orders aggregate approximately $2.9 million and are for equipment to be delivered before June 30, 2004.

Lead scanners are used to inspect assembled integrated circuits prior to shipment to customers. They check for package uniformity and integrity, and to ensure that connections are properly aligned. This check is typically the final one done on a semiconductor package before delivery to a customer.

Bob Michaels, Vice President -- Sales for RVSI's Semiconductor Equipment Group, said the orders are evidence that RVSI's newest generation of scanning technology meets the exacting demands of the back-end of the semiconductor industry.  ‘‘These organizations want the highest quality of inspection coupled with the highest throughput,’‘ Mr. Michaels said.  ‘‘They want small footprints and rapid change-over between semiconductor packages. It's why those customers who have seen the new products we're now shipping tell us we provide the lowest cost of ownership in the industry.

 ’‘Further, for contract assembly organizations such as these, there's no luxury of dedicating equipment to long runs of single products,’‘ Mr. Michaels said.  ‘‘Operators may put half a dozen different runs of products through the same system over the course of a shift.  If an inspection system cannot shift products on the fly, it means excess downtime, which is the bane of every assembly house.  We offer a solution that allows for changeover between products that is measured in seconds rather than hours. RVSI's new generation of products delivers those features to an industry that demands the lowest cost of ownership.’‘

‘‘We are clearly hitting the inflection point of the ramp,’‘ added Michael Gray, Vice President -- Strategic Development at the Semiconductor Equipment Group in Hauppauge, NY. ‘‘Packaging houses are at 100% of capacity for high-end semiconductors with unit growth in chips tracking to 20% in 2004.

Moreover, consolidation in the industry is leading to increased standardization of equipment.  These trends are harbingers of continued growth across the year and, we believe, a very good sign for us.’‘

About RVSI
Robotic Vision Systems, Inc. (RVSI) (RVSI.OB) has the most comprehensive line of machine vision systems available today. Headquartered in Nashua, New Hampshire, with offices worldwide, RVSI is the world leader in vision-based semiconductor inspection and Data Matrix-based unit-level traceability.

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 more than 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 annual report on Form 10-K, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.