SEMICON West, Booth 10536

SAN JOSE, CALIF. - July 12, 2000 - Applied Precision, Inc. continues the Alpha testing phase of its waferWoRx Probing Process Analysis System with Agilent Technologies Inc., a global, diversified technology company that focuses on high-growth markets in communications, electronics, life sciences and healthcare. Applied Precision's waferWoRx system is designed to improve the wafer probing process with instantaneous data collection and analysis.

As an Alpha user of Applied Precision's waferWoRx system, Agilent Technologies provides validation of the system's functionality before its scheduled release in September 2000. The waferWoRx system is being used as a quality and process control tool in the production line at Agilent's Ft. Collins, Colorado plant.

"The feedback we receive from Agilent will be very valuable in verifying how the waferWoRx system can be used as a production tool," said Bob Heiligenberg, Applied Precision's semiconductor product line manager. "Agilent's leadership in the semiconductor industry makes it an ideal partner to help us meet the metrology needs of semiconductor fabs worldwide."

The waferWoRx system evaluates the probing process by analyzing probe marks with advanced image analysis software. The combined analysis of data from the prober, probe card and probe card analyzer - called "closed-loop" metrology correlation - makes it possible to prescribe corrective actions that optimize probing performance including test-at-temperature, accuracy of prober stage setup and prober to prober consistency. Additionally, data from the waferWoRx system supports the development of the next generation of chips by accurately predicting wafer test capability for future probing processes including probe card performance, probe card life and maintenance. This information allows test floor managers to effectively plan for future capital equipment investments by understanding their current equipment's capabilities before they invest in additional capital.

Agilent has purchased the final version of the waferWoRx system, scheduled to be available in September 2000.

About Applied Precision, Inc.

Applied Precision (www.appliedprecision.com) develops measurement, analysis and process control systems for semiconductor test, assembly and packaging, as well as for biomedical and biotechnology research and analysis (especially cell microscopy, genomics and proteomics). Applied Precision's specialized systems are based on precisionware, the company's unique convergence of mechanics, electronics and software, enabling advancements in the world's core technologies. Applied Precision can be reached in the United Kingdom at +44 1672 518350 or in the United States at (425) 557-1000.