RVSI Will Shift Vanguard Automation Product Line to Hauppauge, NY

Tucson, Arizona facility to be closed in streamlining of manufacturing organization

CANTON, MASSACHUSETTS - September 20, 2001 - Robotic Vision Systems, Inc. (RVSI) (Nasdaq: ROBV) today said it will move the manufacturing and engineering of its Vanguard Automation ball attach product line to Hauppauge, New York from Tucson, Arizona and close the company's Arizona facility.

The move is in response to the nearly year-long downturn in the semiconductor industry, which has significantly reduced the demand for semiconductor capital equipment throughout the industry.  Vanguard designs and builds equipment that places arrays of minute solder balls on semiconductor packages known as BGAs or ball-grid arrays.

"Our Tucson facility has been significantly underutilized since the onset of the industry downturn," said Earl Rideout, President of RVSI's Semiconductor Equipment Group. "By moving engineering and manufacturing functions to Hauppauge, where RVSI already produces other equipment used in the inspection of semiconductors, we will see a higher overall utilization of facilities while continuing the development, sale, and servicing of ball-placement products."

The closing of the Tucson facility will result in the loss of approximately 45 jobs at the site.

"We are always saddened to lose good employees who have made excellent, long-term contributions to RVSI Vanguard," Mr. Rideout said.  "We have offered a group of Vanguard's technical and engineering employees the option to relocate to Hauppauge.  For those to whom we cannot offer transfers, we will provide separation pay and job-search assistance."

Mr. Rideout stressed that the shift of the product line does not affect the status of the products within RVSI.  "We believe we have the industry's best products incorporating the best technology, " he said.  "Our intention is to ensure that these products remain state of the art.  This is a difficult decision about the best home for a product line, necessitated by an unprecedented industry downturn."

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.

For further information contact:
Neal H. Sanders (781) 302-2439
RVSI
5 Shawmut Road
Canton, MA  02021
Tel: 781-302-2439  Fax: 781-302-2440