FARO Introduces Industry's First Fully Integrated 3-D Laser ScanArm(TM)

LAKE MARY, Fla., Nov. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- FARO Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: FARO), the market-share leader in the portable coordinate measurement machine (CMM) field, introduced the industry's first ever seven-axis contact/non-contact measurement device with a fully integrated laser scanner: The FARO Laser ScanArm(TM).

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"Fully integrated means that, unlike other scanning systems, the FARO ScanArm's hard probe and laser scanner can digitize interchangeably without having to remove either component," said FARO President and CEO Simon Raab. "There are no third-party attachments, no external electronics and no cables that interfere with the Arm's infinite rotation ability, so the users get maximum data handling, accuracy and efficiency in an affordable package -- rather than the complications of integrating separate technologies."

Users can collect simple point variations with the Arm's hard probe, then laser scan the sections requiring larger volumes of data -- without the wasted time of adding or removing attachments, untangling cabling, or having to use a separate CMM then trying to import the data.

It adds to the compact FaroArm's versatility, as the Arm is now not only portable, but can also be used for a variety of non-contact measurement applications, including inspection, cloud-to-CAD comparison, rapid prototyping, reverse engineering and 3-D modeling.

"Our goal was to create the most user-friendly laser scanning arm on the market," FARO Hardware Product Manager Shaun Mymudes said. "It's an affordable, total package that's ready to measure."

The FARO ScanArm provides exponentially detailed inspection by collecting more than 13,000 points per second. Its open architecture allows users to analyze the data in not only the Arm's native CAM2 Measure, but also their choice of point-cloud evaluation software, including Geomagic, PolyWorks and RapidForm.

FARO estimates the non-contact inspection/digitization comprises approximately 20 percent of the computer-aided manufacturing measurement market.

"The fact that this is 100 percent FARO -- no third party technology -- gives us a significant price advantage in this field," Raab said. "Along with our other products, this helps further establish us as a 'one-stop shop' for all of a facility's metrology needs."

Although there are FARO ScanArms currently in use at manufacturers selected for prototype testing, full distribution is expected during the first quarter of 2004. It will make its debut trade show appearance November 16-19, 2003, at FABTECH in Chicago.

    Exclusive Features:
    -- Seven-axis arm with removable handle and three-point quick mount
    -- Infinite rotation ability uninhibited by external cabling or
       electronics; fully ergonomic manufacturing use
    -- Integrated LED range finder determines optimal scanning distance
    -- Quick Probe calibration greatly reduces set-up time
    -- Thin profile for tight areas, sealed for manufacturing environments
    -- Operates within the same temperature range as the Arm without requiring
       recalibration

    About FARO

FARO Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: FARO) and its international subsidiaries design, develop, and market software and portable, computerized measurement devices. The Company's products allow manufacturers to perform three- dimensional inspections of parts and assemblies on the shop floor. This helps eliminate manufacturing errors, and thereby increases productivity and profitability for a variety of industries in FARO's worldwide customer base. Principal products include the FARO ScanArm(TM), FARO Gage(TM), Platinum and Titanium FaroArms(R), Control Station(R) measurement system, the FARO Laser Tracker(R), the Advantage FaroArm(TM), the FARO Advantage Tracker(TM), and a CAM2(R) family of advanced CAD-based measurement and reporting software. FARO Technologies is ISO 9001 certified and Guide 25 approved. Learn more at www.faro.com .

This press release contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that are subject to risks and uncertainties, such as statements about our plans, objectives, projections, expectations, assumptions, strategies, or future events. Statements that are not historical facts or that describe the Company's plans, objectives, projections, expectations, assumptions, strategies, or goals are forward-looking statements. In addition, words such as "may," "believes," "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "seeks," "estimates," "will," "should," "could," and similar expressions or discussions of our strategy or other intentions identify forward-looking statements. Other written or oral statements, which constitute forward-looking statements, also may be made by the Company from time to time. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to various known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performances, or achievements to differ materially from future results, performances, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Consequently, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

* our inability to maintain historical sales growth rates,

* our inability to maintain or reduce operating expenses or maintain our historical gross margin ,

* difficulties in ramping up production in our new manufacturing facility in Switzerland and completing the opening and staffing of our sales office in China,

* our inability to further penetrate our customer base;

* development by others of new or improved products, processes or technologies that make our products obsolete or less competitive;

* our inability to maintain our technological advantage by developing new products and enhancing our existing products;

* the cyclical nature of the industries of our customers and the financial condition of our customers;

* the inability to protect our patents and other proprietary rights in the United States and foreign countries and the assertion of infringement claims against us;

* fluctuations in our annual and quarterly operating results as a result of (i) the size and timing of customer orders, (ii) the amount of time that it takes to fulfill orders and ship our products, (iii) the length of our sales cycle to new customers and the time and expense incurred in further penetrating our existing customer base, (iv) increases in operating expenses required for product development and new product marketing, (v) costs associated with new product introductions, such as assembly line start-up costs and low introductory period production volumes, (vi) the timing and market acceptance of new products and product enhancements, (vii) customer order deferrals in anticipation of new products and product enhancements, (viii) our success in expanding our sales and marketing programs, (ix) start- up costs associated with opening new sales offices outside of the United States, (x) fluctuations in revenue and without proportionate adjustments in fixed costs, (xi) the efficiencies achieved in managing inventories and fixed assets; and (xii) adverse changes in the manufacturing industry and general economic conditions.

* the inability of our products to displace traditional measurement devices and attain broad market acceptance; the impact of competitive products and pricing in the CAM2 market and the broad market for measurement and inspection devices;

* risks associated with expanding international operations, such as fluctuations in currency exchange rates, difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations, political and economic instability, and the burdens of complying with a wide variety of foreign laws and labor practices;

* the loss of Simon Raab or Greg Fraser or other key personnel;

* our inability to identify, consummate, or achieve expected benefits from acquisitions;

* the failure to effectively manage our growth;

* the loss of a key supplier and the inability to find a sufficient alternative supplier in a reasonable period or on commercially reasonable terms.

* the other risks detailed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements in this release represent the Company's judgment as of the date of this release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

SOURCE FARO Technologies, Inc.