Autodesk Inventor Publisher Makes It Easier to Assemble Next Generation Programmable Robots

COPENHAGEN, Denmark — (BUSINESS WIRE) — February 14, 2013 — LEGO World — Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK), a leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software, has partnered with The LEGO Group to provide 3D interactive building instructions for LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3, a new platform designed to introduce a younger generation to the excitement of building and programming robots. The LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 set, as well as the 3D building instruction mobile apps and web instructions, will be available in the second half of 2013.

Accessible through a mobile app for iOS and Android devices, or over the web at MINDSTORMS.COM, the interactive building instructions—based on Autodesk Inventor Publisher technology—provide an alternative to traditional instructions, bringing the building experience to life. The 3D building instructions allow LEGO MINDSTORMS builders to digitally view how the LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 components fit together, making it easier to build even the most sophisticated robot.

“The LEGO Group has designed a completely new version of LEGO MINDSTORMS, building upon the same DNA, to excite and challenge an audience of children who have grown up with technology,” said Camilla Bottke, LEGO MINDSTORMS project lead at The LEGO Group. “By teaming up with Autodesk, we’re delivering a new spin on our hallmark, nonverbal, step-by-step building instructions by providing powerful 3D interactive technology that enhances the LEGO MINDSTORMS experience for today’s tech-literate generation of children.”

Autodesk Inventor Publisher software—which provides an alternative to traditional instructions by generating 3D interactive instructions that run on iPad, Android devices and on the web—powers the building instructions. With the app, LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 builders can digitally view and interact with the LEGO bricks at each step of the building process. At any time, LEGO MINDSTORMS builders can stop the animation, zoom in on a part or rotate it to see exactly how parts need to be fitted together – putting builders in control of the experience and allowing them to see how it’s built in the way that makes the most sense to each individual. Additional features geared towards providing a fun play experience for LEGO builders include double-tapping a part for component information, and a Map feature that allows users to see exactly which part of the model is being worked on.

In addition to LEGO’s famous bricks, the LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 set contains a multitude of parts—including motors, infrared sensors and a programmable microcomputer—that allow children to create robots that walk, move or take whatever action they’re programmed to do. LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 will include the 3D interactive building instructions for five different robots, such as “EV3RSTORM,” a Mohawk-sporting humanoid that shoots mini-spheres as it walks, “SPIK3R,” a scorpion-like robot that searches for an IR beacon bug, or “R3PTAR,” a robotic snake that slithers, shakes and strikes.

About The LEGO Group

The LEGO Group is a privately-held, family-owned company, based in Billund, Denmark. The company is still owned by the Kirk Kristiansen family who founded it in 1932. The LEGO Group is engaged in the development of children's creativity through playing and learning. Based on the world-famous LEGO® brick, the company today provides toys, experiences and teaching materials for children in more than 130 countries. The LEGO Group has approximately 11,000 employees, and it is the world's second largest manufacturer of play materials. For more information on The LEGO Group, visit http://www.lego.com.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc., is a leader in professional and personal 3D design, engineering and entertainment software. Autodesk tools help unlock the creativity in everyone, from children and hobbyists to design and engineering professionals. Customers across the manufacturing, architecture, building, construction, digital art and entertainment industries, including the last 17 Academy Award winners for Best Visual Effects, use Autodesk software, mobile apps, cloud services and communities to design, visualize, simulate and communicate their ideas. For more information follow @autodesk or visit  autodesk.com.

Autodesk, Autodesk Inventor, and Inventor are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. Academy Award is a registered trademark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

© 2013 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.

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