CGNX

Cognex Corporation

A maker of machine vision systems, sensors, software, and industrial barcode readers that help factories and warehouses inspect, measure, and track products automatically — with brands like In-Sight, DataMan, and VisionPro. Founded in 1981 by MIT lecturer Robert Shillman, who coaxed two grad students to join him by offering free bicycles. The name comes from "cognition experts," and employees jokingly call themselves "Cognoids."