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Subject: a brief history of the Chess Robot

Author: steven blincoe

Date: 19:10:12 03/05/03


Several different types of Robotic(self-moving)dedicated chess computers were
released for sale over the years
the first one being the Milton Bradley Grandmaster
this computer makes its own moves by way of an electro-magnetic motor positioned
under the pieces

the first Robotic chess computer with an actual Robotic arm was the Novag Robot
Adversary
this very rare computer also had an "emotions" feature which, when invoked would
have the computer raise its Robotic arm either in a victorious salute(if it had
a winning postion)or an angry gesture (if in a losing position)

Fidelity released a  Phantom in three versions:
Phantom
Chesster Phantom
Eyeball Chesster Phantom

the Chesster version had a voice feature which made snide comments to torment
the player (if the computer was in a winning position)or to rush the player if
he/she were taking too much time on a move

the Eyeball Chesster added motion detectors to the computer by way of two large
green "eyes" in the front of the unit
if the computer detected no movement for a certain preoid of time it would go to
"power down" mode

Soon to be released by Excalibur(SEPT. 2003) is the Robotic chess
a chess computer with a Robotic arm and voice feature

i am searching for the Fidelity Chesster Phantom(model 6124)
and a working Novag Robot Aversary

R2D2 Regards
Steve






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