EXHIBIT 23.1

                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this  registration  statement on
Form S-8 of our reports dated January 26,  1996, except as to the information in
the Subsequent Event note for which the date is Februar 29, 1996, on our audits
of the consolidated  financial  statements and financial  statement  schedule of
Cognex Corporation.






                                               COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.

Boston, Massachusetts
May 21, 1996