Sega AI Computer

From Sega Retro

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Sega AI Computer
Manufacturer: Sega
Release Date RRP Code
{{}} JP ¥? ?

The Sega AI Computer (AIセガコンピュータ) is an extremely rare computer released in Japan by Sega in 1986. The unit was seen to be ahead of its time upon release, though did not sell in large numbers. Plans were put in place to bring this system to North America in 1987 under the new name of SEGA DI 8300, but this never materialised.

The Sega AI Computer features a number of different modules including a keyboard for programming, a graphics tablet, a speech recognition device and a music composer. It runs software stored on Sega Cards, physically identical to those used in the SG-1000 II, Sega Mark III and the original model of the Sega Master System, though is not compatible with any of those systems.

The computer's software released from 1986 to 1988, and includes educational games.[1]

History

In July 1986, Sega announced the world's first home computer equipped with AI (artificial intelligence), intended for the household and consumer markets.[2][3][4]

A first auction sighting of a Sega AI Computer in 2004 valued the item at £19000. In 2014 one was sold on Yahoo Auctions for 124200 JPY (about $1100) and 15 software were auctioned separately.

The only other computer manufactured by Sega was the SC-3000, released in 1983. Sega also previously previously released a tablet controller, the Sega Graphic Board, in 1985.

Specifications

Processor NEC V20 (16-bit CPU based on the Intel 80186)
Memory 128kB ROM

128kB RAM 64K VRAM

Display 256x212 Resolution
Audio SN76489
Dimensions 520 x 250 x 72 mm

Software

Promotional material

Expression error: Unexpected < operator. File:AIANews JP 1986-09.pdf

PDF
<div style="width:Expression error: Unexpected < operator.px; padding-left:2px; padding-top:5px; padding-right:2px;">Print advertisement in AIA News (September 1986)

References

Sega Home Video Game Systems
83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11
SG-1000 SG-1000 II Mega Drive Mega Drive II
SC-3000 Mega-CD Mega-CD II Genesis 3
Sega Mark III 32X Dreamcast
Master System Master System II
AI Computer Game Gear
Saturn
Pico Beena