Autodesk Brings the Power of 3D to the 16th Annual FIRST Robotics Competition
Autodesk Helps the Students of Today Become the Engineers of Tomorrow with Autodesk Inventor and 3ds Max Software
SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Jan. 29, 2007 - Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) today demonstrated its ongoing commitment to education with a $17 million donation of software and training resources to FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) and the students participating in the 2007 FIRST Robotics Competition. As Autodesk marks its 16th consecutive year as a FIRST Championship sponsor and the FIRST Robotics Competition official 3D and animation software supplier, it is offering a priceless education for tomorrow's engineers. Student participants will soon gain firsthand experience with Autodesk Inventor software, the world's best-selling 3D mechanical design product; and award-winning Autodesk 3ds Max, 3D modeling, animation and rendering software.
More than 1,300 student teams from seven countries will design and build robots to compete in 37 regional competitions, with winners advancing to the FIRST Championship in Atlanta, Georgia, April 12-14, 2007. As part of its support for the FIRST program, Autodesk provides thousands of seats of Inventor and 3ds Max to the student participants for their use in designing, building and visualizing their projects. Autodesk will also honor two exemplary teams with special awards at this year's Championship event. The Autodesk Visualization Award will recognize superiority in student animation and the Autodesk Inventor Award will honor excellence in student mechanical design.
Autodesk is also hosting a newly developed website entitled FIRSTbase (www.autodesk.com/firstbase), the Autodesk source for FIRST teams. The website is a complete destination where teams visit to download free Autodesk software, to access training, the Autodesk Kit of Parts, the Autodesk Design Competition, FIRST resources and for team communications.
"Autodesk's support of FIRST has been instrumental to the growth of the program and has fueled the ambitions of thousands of aspiring engineers and inventors," said Dean Kamen, inventor, entrepreneur and founder of FIRST. "Their software brings to life the students' visions while fostering collaboration and teamwork, and offering real-world experience with advanced design and animation technology. The rewards and excitement from seeing their ideas come to life are unmatched, and the education they receive is invaluable."
FIRST was founded by Dean Kamen in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math. Since 1992, Autodesk has been working with the FIRST Robotics Competition to provide students the opportunity to learn about the worlds of engineering and visualization and has contributed approximately $89 million in software for team use. This year over 32,000 high school students are pushing the boundaries of innovation in engineering and 3D design visualization with support from Autodesk.
"Autodesk is proud to be a long-time sponsor of FIRST, building passion for math and science among students and ultimately, helping them learn real-world skills from a company that will be an important technology partner as they move into the field of design and engineering," said Robert "Buzz" Kross, vice president of Autodesk Manufacturing Solutions. "We continue to be amazed at the creativity and passion students display each year for this program. Together, Autodesk and FIRST are helping shape the engineers of tomorrow."
About FIRST
Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology and engineering. With the support of many of the world's most well-known companies, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST Robotics Competition and FIRST Vex Challenge for high-school students, the FIRST LEGO League for children 9-14 years old, and the Junior FIRST LEGO League for 6 to 9 year-olds. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.usfirst.org.
About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc. is a Fortune 1000 company, wholly focused on ensuring that great ideas are turned into reality. With seven million users, Autodesk is the world's leading software and services company for the manufacturing, infrastructure, building, media and entertainment, and wireless data services fields. Autodesk's solutions help customers create, manage and share their data and digital assets more effectively. As a result, customers turn ideas into competitive advantage, become more productive, streamline project efficiency and maximize profits. Founded in 1982, Autodesk is headquartered in San Rafael, California. For additional information about Autodesk, please visit www.autodesk.com.
Autodesk, Autodesk Inventor, Inventor and 3ds Max are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.
© 2007 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.
