EXHIBIT 23.1

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on
Form S-8 of Kurzweil Applied Intelligence, Inc. of our report dated March 29,
1996 except for Note 3, as to which the date is May 9, 1996 with respect to the
balance sheet at January 31, 1996 and the related statements of operation,
stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the years ended January 31, 1996 and
1995 included in the Annual Report on Form 10-KSB of Kurzweil Applied
Intelligence, Inc. for the fiscal year ended January 31, 1997.

                                                          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

                                                          Ernst & Young LLP

Boston, Massachusetts
April 30, 1997

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