EXHIBIT 23.1


                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
                      ----------------------------------

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this registration statement of
PRI Automation, Inc. (the "Company") on Form S-8 of our report dated November
12, 1997, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements of the Company
as of September 30, 1997 and 1996, and for each of the three years in the period
ended September 30, 1997, which report is included in the Company's 1997 Annual
Report on Form 10-K.

                                         /s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

                                         Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.




Boston, Massachusetts
January 28, 1998