Robotic Vision Systems, Inc.'s Material Handling Business Acquired by the SICK Group

    MINNEAPOLIS & CANTON, Mass.--Dec. 18, 2001--SICK, Inc.:

 TITLE CORRECTION from SICK, Inc.: This is a re-issue of SICK, Inc.'s
   trade press release regarding the acquisition of RVSI's Material
    Handling business. An earlier headline sent 12/18/01 misstated
                     the scope of the acquisition.

    The SICK Group, a privately held global leader in sensor technology, and Robotic Vision Systems, Inc. (RVSI) , today announced the acquisition, by affiliates of the SICK Group, of RVSI's Material Handling business.
    RVSI is a world leader in machine vision technology. Its Material Handling business, a product line within RVSI Acuity CiMatrix, is one of the preeminent suppliers of advanced barcode reading systems for high-speed sortation. These systems are used by package delivery services as well as by major catalog and mail order organizations. "This acquisition propels us into second position for automatic Identification technology worldwide," said Alberto Bertomeu, President of SICK Inc. "We're pleased to enhance our product portfolio, and acquire an excellent team of engineers, research and development professionals, sales representatives, technicians and a veteran management team.
    "The combination of the two companies represents an unparalleled opportunity for both companies' customers, " Mr. Bertomeu said. "For our current customers, the acquisition expands the breadth of product offerings engineered and built to SICK standards. Our new customers will now have the ability to tap into our leading-edge technology for not only automatic identification, but industrial sensors and safety systems as well."
    "We will continue to expand through acquisitions, organic growth and strategic partnerships. We also see the opportunity for SICK and RVSI to jointly explore sales opportunities in markets of common interest," Mr. Bertomeu said. "In the coming months we will look globally to find ways to leverage each other's technology strengths, products and services."
    RVSI's portfolio of products involved in this transaction include, the entire CiMax brand, laser based line scanners, maximum performance laser-based omni directional scanners, and the omni directional imaging scanner. These products are primarily used for providing solutions for large material handling applications in the retail distribution and parcel sorting markets.
    SICK Inc. is well known for its leading-edge solutions for industrial sensors, safety, and automatic identification solutions. For automatic identification solutions it employs laser-based, fixed position technology, the most advanced in the industry, which helps ensure high read rates and greatly enhanced throughput. The recent acquisition of Lazerdata, in July 2001, added complete systems, integration and servicing capabilities. And the addition of RVSI's leading omni directional technology will round out a complete product portfolio. SICK Inc. primarily serves customers in factory and process automation.
    "The new market offering of SICK, Inc. will enhance rather than overlap one another," said Bertomeu, "which is a great advantage for our customers to have one source for such a wide range of solutions." SICK, Inc. plans to maintain the current facility and employees in Boston, Massachusetts.

    About SICK AG

    SICK AG is a worldwide manufacturer of factory and process automation sensor technology. With over 350 patents in photoelectric sensors, safety controls and bar code scanners, SICK AG continues to lead the industry in new product innovations. The diversity of its product line allows SICK to offer solutions at every phase of production in the automotive, packaging, electronics, food and beverage, and material handling markets. SICK AG is a German-based company founded in 1946 and has operations or representation in 65 countries worldwide. SICK, Inc., the North American subsidiary headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Additional information is available at www.sickusa.com or by calling 1-800-325-SICK (7425).

    About RVSI

    Robotic Vision Systems, Inc. (RVSI) 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 Statements

    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.