Perceptron Selected as Winner of 2003 PACE Award

PLYMOUTH, Mich., March 4 -- Perceptron, Inc. today announced that it has been selected as a winner in the 2003 Automotive News Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contributions to Excellence (PACE) Awards co-sponsored by Cap Gemini Ernst & Young. Perceptron was awarded the honor for its AutoGauge(TM) FMS (Flexible Measurement System) manufacturing process improvement system. The awards were presented Sunday, March 2, 2003 at the Detroit Opera House in Detroit, Michigan.

Perceptron's AutoGauge FMS uses precision laser sensors integrated with a variety of industrial robots in the manufacturing process to help automakers improve quality, reduce scrap and rework, and significantly shorten new product launch times. The system is widely used by European automakers and is now being adopted by American, European and Japanese OEMs for plants in North America.

The annual awards honor automotive supplier innovations in four categories: Product-North America, Product-Europe, Manufacturing Process and Capital Equipment, and Information Technology and Services.

Perceptron was one of 12 winners out of 22 finalists and nine companies that received honorable mentions. Winners were chosen by an independent panel of judges.

About Perceptron AutoGauge FMS

AutoGauge FMS is a flexible, non-contact measurement system that uses robot-mounted laser sensors to measure important dimensional features on a part or assembly in the production line. The system offers automakers the versatility to make in-line or off-line measurements of parts with significant differences in geometry using a single station. The AutoGauge FMS software integrates all the major system setup and analysis functions into a common software package so users can easily configure the system for their measurement needs. AutoGauge FMS is built on Perceptron's IPNet(TM) platform, which provides automatic alarming capabilities and web-based reporting to help manufacturers reduce variation, determine root causes of problems, and implement process improvements. IPNet(TM) information is available everywhere throughout an automaker's intranet.

"AutoGauge FMS was developed in response to the trend by automakers to more fully utilize production capacity by producing multiple vehicle models on the manufacturing lines within a given plant," says Bill Corriveau, Perceptron senior vice president, global automotive business unit. "This trend began in Europe and is quickly being implemented by North American automakers."

In addition to its in-process manufacturing application, AutoGauge(TM) FMS is used off-line to inspect non-automated processes or to perform high-volume inspection of incoming sub-assemblies. Off-line systems have also been used to verify racking, part carriers, or flexible part fixtures before recycling them back into the process.

About Perceptron

Perceptron produces information-based process improvement solutions for industry as well as technology components for non-contact measurement and inspection applications. Automotive and manufacturing companies throughout the world rely on Perceptron's process management solutions to help them improve quality, shorten product launch times and reduce overall manufacturing costs.

Headquartered in Plymouth, MI, Perceptron has approximately 215 employees worldwide, with facilities in the United States, Germany, Slovakia, Spain, France, Brazil, and Japan. For more information, please visit www.perceptron.com .