Next Generation Cognex DataMan Handheld ID Reader Offers Industrial Ethernet and Autofocus

Natick, MA, USA 30 August, 2010. Cognex Corporation (NASDAQ: CGNX) today announced its next-generation DataMan® handheld industrial ID scanner, the DataMan 8000 Series. The rugged DataMan 8000 Series is designed for the factory floor and offers the industry’s most advanced code reading technology using patented IDMax® technology for reading 1D and 2D codes regardless of size, quality, printing method or surface. The DataMan 8000 Series also offers two new innovations for an industrial handheld code reader: modular communications (including Ethernet) and liquid lens variable focus technology.

“The DataMan 8000 Series represents a true breakthrough for industrial handheld readers,” said Carl Gerst, Business Unit Manager for ID Products. “In addition to its powerful code reading capability and rugged design, the DataMan 8000 Series communicates easily with factory networks and ERP systems for real time traceability, and the automatic variable focus enables operators to use the system close up for very small 2D Data Matrix direct part marks and at a distance to read longer 1D barcodes.”

The DataMan 8000 Series features Cognex superior code reading capabilities with two powerful algorithms, 1DMax™ and 2DMax™, that provide the most advanced decoding available for reading virtually every type of code, every time, with unsurpassed read rates.

The DataMan 8000 Series is the first industrial handheld reader to offer integrated liquid lens technology. The adjustable focus of the liquid lens gives the maximum depth of field flexibility for an image-based handheld reader. This proven new technology, already integrated into Cognex fixed-mount readers, allows a user for the first time to read small 2D direct part marks as well as long linear bar codes with a single reader.

The DataMan 8000 Series also supports both RS-232/USB and Industrial Ethernet communication. The system’s unique modular communication design allows users to easily upgrade from RS-232/USB to Industrial Ethernet with field exchangeable interface modules. This flexibility enables users to modify their initial reader installation to meet future communication requirements.

The DataMan 8000 Series is available in two models:

DataMan 8500
The DataMan 8500 readers incorporate patented UltraLight® technology from Cognex for superior image formation on any mark type and surface. The UltraLight provides dark field, bright field and diffuse lighting all in one electronically controlled light.

DataMan 8100
The DataMan 8100 includes all of the features of the DataMan 8500 readers, with bright field illumination. The DataMan 8100 readers are ideal for applications that require superior code reading performance without specialty lighting.

For more information about the DataMan 8000 Series handheld readers, visit www.cognex.com/8000.

About Cognex
Cognex Corporation designs, develops, manufactures and markets machine vision sensors and systems, or devices that can "see." Cognex vision sensors and systems are used in factories around the world where they guide, inspect, gauge, identify and assure the quality of a wide range of items during the manufacturing process. Cognex is the world's leader in the machine vision industry, having shipped more than 500,000 machine vision systems, representing over $2.5 billion in cumulative revenue, since the company's founding in 1981. Headquartered in Natick, Massachusetts, USA, Cognex has regional offices and distributors located throughout North America, Japan, Europe, Asia and Latin America. For details, visit Cognex on-line at http://www.cognex.com.