Rockwell Automation and Cognex to Enter Global Relationship

Rockwell Automation, a supplier of industrial automation solutions, and Cognex Corporation, a supplier of machine vision systems, have announced their intention to form a global relationship to consolidate resources. Under the proposed relationship, Cognex will acquire rights to certain technologies of Rockwell Automation's Allen-Bradley machine vision business and will become the preferred global supplier of machine vision products to Rockwell Automation's customers as a member of Rockwell Automation's Encompass Program.

According to Jodie Glore, president and COO of Rockwell Automation, ``Our customers' machine vision applications are becoming increasingly complex, and we expect that through this agreement with Cognex we will be able to provide our customers with the most advanced, proven technologies in machine vision products and services.''

The transaction is expected to include a Technology Transfer Agreement under which Cognex will acquire certain Allen-Bradley machine vision hardware and software technologies from Rockwell Automation. Rockwell Automation will continue to support its Allen-Bradley machine vision product line, and Cognex will acquire the technologies, assets, and key personnel needed to complete the development, to take over production, and to market the newest Allen-Bradley vision system, known as Optix.

Rockwell Automation brings together industrial automation brands that include Allen-Bradley controls, Reliance Electric power transmission products, Dodge mechanical power transmission components, and Rockwell Software.

Cognex Corporation designs, develops, manufactures, and markets machine vision systems. Cognex's Modular Vision Systems Division, headquartered in Natick, MA, specializes in machine vision systems which are used for automating the manufacture of a wide range of discrete items and for assuring their quality.