<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFROMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF COGNEX CORPORATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>

                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1999
<CASH>                                      48,665,000
<SECURITIES>                               168,282,000
<RECEIVABLES>                               31,578,000
<ALLOWANCES>                                 2,836,000
<INVENTORY>                                 10,872,000
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                           268,792,000
<PP&E>                                      57,172,000
<DEPRECIATION>                              25,315,000
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             314,822,000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                       37,465,000
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                        88,000
<OTHER-SE>                                 276,536,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>               314,822,000
<SALES>                                    152,125,000
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                           152,125,000
<CGS>                                       45,221,000
<TOTAL-COSTS>                               45,221,000
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                             42,880,000
<INCOME-TAX>                                12,435,000
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                         30,445,000
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                30,445,000
<EPS-BASIC>                                        .74
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .69