EXHIBIT 10.7.4

                                 PROMISSORY NOTE


$165,000                                                    San Jose, California
                                                            May 7, 1999


         FOR VALUE  RECEIVED,  the  undersigned,  Bruce  Shimano,  ("Employee"),
promises to pay to the order of ADEPT TECHNOLOGY, INC., (the "Corporation"),  at
its office at 150 Rose Orchard Way, San Jose,  California  95134,  the principal
sum of ONE HUNDRED SIXTY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($165,000),  with interest on the
unpaid  principal  amount  outstanding  from the date  hereof,  initially at the
current Federal short term rate, and thereafter during the term hereof, each May
7 at the  applicable  Federal  short term rate in effect on such date.  Interest
shall be payable  annually  commencing  May 7, 2000.  Any interest for a partial
month shall be prorated  based on the number of days in such month.  All accrued
and unpaid interest,  and all unpaid  principal,  shall be due and payable on or
before May 7, 2004. All money paid toward the satisfaction of this Note shall be
applied  first to the payment of interest as required  hereunder and then to the
retirement of principal.
         If an action is instituted for collection of the Note, the  undersigned
agrees to pay court costs and reasonable  attorneys' fees incurred by the holder
hereof.
         This note may be prepaid at any time without penalty.


                         /s/ Bruce Shimano
                         --------------------------------------------
                         Borrower, Bruce Shimano


                         /s/ Brian Carlisle
                         --------------------------------------------
                         Brian Carlisle