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19801980s
Why It Was Important
Companies like DEC (with their XCON system) proved that expert systems could save corporations millions by actively configuring computer systems or diagnosing machinery. This triggered massive corporate investment in specialized LISP machines and AI departments across the Fortune 500.
Who Invented It
Corporate AI departments & AI startups
Engineers focusing on 'knowledge engineering'.
Applications
- Logistics
- Equipment Configuration
- Financial Underwriting
Videos
A Brief History of AI: From Machine Learning to Gen AI to Agentic AI
IBM Technology