Symbolics Lisp machine used for expert systems

R1/XCON: Expert Systems Go Corporate

Product LaunchesExpert Systems Boom
Impact

What Happened

R1 (later XCON) was deployed at DEC to configure VAX computer systems. It saved DEC an estimated $40 million per year. This commercial success sparked a gold rush: by 1985, companies were spending over $1 billion per year on expert systems.

Why It Mattered

Proved AI could deliver real business value. Launched the expert systems industry and revived AI funding — but also set up the next crash.

Key People

Organizations

Tags

Part of the Expert Systems Boom (1980–1987) era · Browse all product launches · View all 1980 milestones

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