Autodesk Inc. on January 30 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 3-D 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 3-D mechanical design product; and award-winning Autodesk 3ds Max, 3-D 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
Autodesk is also hosting a newly developed Web site entitled FIRSTbase (www.autodesk.com/firstbase), the Autodesk source for FIRST teams. The site 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, more than 32,000 high school students are pushing the boundaries of innovation in engineering and 3-D 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.”
