Birdie, I have an A-1 with an IntelliQuilter added to it. IQ is a tablet computer which attaches to the machine head. There is also a motor system that is added to the frame which is what 'pushes' the machine around. I've had it for about 2 years now and LOVE it! You can see a picture of it attached to my machine on my blog:
http://andicrafts.wordpress.com/2008...arning-the-iq/
I believe all of the systems have to have a computer attached somehow to your machine - that becomes the 'brains' that knows where to move the machine to create the designs. Visit some of the companies websites for more info. Some of the better known systems are IntelliQuilter, CompuQuilter and Statler.