FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATICK, MA, USA February 24, 2010

Cognex Introduces New Surface Inspection Software

Cognex Corporation (NASDAQ: CGNX) today launched VisionPro® Surface, a vision software package for inspecting the surface of materials. VisionPro Surface combines a revolutionary new visual defect detection and classification technology with a simple user interface to enable accurate defect detection, classification, and surface texture assessment during the manufacturing process.

“VisionPro Surface makes the cost savings and quality improvements of automatic surface inspection available to production lines where more complex surface inspection solutions are not practical or economically viable,” said Dr. Markku Jaaskelainen, Executive Vice President and Business Unit Manager for Vision Software. “Manufacturers in industries such as solar energy, architectural glass, high-end plastics, material coating and other converting industries can achieve a quick return on investment by monitoring process efficiency, and identifying and eliminating defective material before it is shipped to customers.”

Unlike traditional surface inspection technologies that use signal processing to detect defects, VisionPro Surface works by monitoring the visual appearance of the material. Using statistical analysis, VisionPro Surface automatically identifies potential defects in the material’s surface, and classifies the defects into groups based on similarity in contrast, texture and/or geometry. During the training phase the user simply adjusts the system’s sensitivity for defect detection, and assigns names or values for defects to distinguish between different types. During production the system automatically classifies each defect according to the categories defined by the user.

VisionPro Surface comes with:

· Easy-to-use, self learning inspection software
· Point-and-click application configuration 
· Visual self-learning defect classification tools 
· Automatic web-based reporting tools that enable users to map, list, and view defects with just the push of a button.

Hardware components such as camera, I/O, lights and cabling can be purchased separately from Cognex, or from third party vendors.

VisionPro Surface is available now.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Annmarie Latta
Gray & Rice Public Relations
Phone: (617) 367-0100 ext. 168
Email: alatta@gr2000.com

About Cognex Corporation

Cognex Corporation (“the Company” or “Cognex”) invents and commercializes technologies that address some of the most critical manufacturing and distribution challenges. We are a leading global provider of machine vision products and solutions that improve efficiency and quality in high-growth-potential businesses across attractive industrial end markets. Our solutions blend physical products and software to capture and analyze visual information, allowing for the automation of manufacturing and distribution tasks for customers worldwide. Machine vision products are used to automate the manufacturing or distribution and tracking of discrete items, such as mobile phones, electric vehicle batteries and e-commerce packages, by locating, identifying, inspecting, and measuring them. Machine vision is important for applications in which human vision is inadequate to meet requirements for size, accuracy, or speed, or in instances where substantial cost savings or quality improvements are maintained.

Cognex is the world's leader in the machine vision industry, having shipped more than 4 million image-based products, representing over $10 billion in cumulative revenue, since the company's founding in 1981. Headquartered in Natick, Massachusetts, USA, Cognex has offices and distributors located throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. For details, visit cognex.com.

IR Contact
Nathan McCurren
Head of Investor Relations
Cognex Corporation
ir@cognex.com

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Senior Manager, Global Content Marketing
Cognex Corporation
pr@cognex.com

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