Robotevents.com provides comprehensive online resource offering the latest robotics news, blogs, events and information for robotics enthusiasts
SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In an effort to promote
greater interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in
schools across the globe, Innovation First, Inc., a leader in educational and
competitive robotics products, has teamed up with Autodesk, Inc.
(Nasdaq: ADSK), the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the
manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets,
to launch Robotevents.com. The new Web site is designed to encourage students
and educators to explore the exciting world of robotics and bring real-world
experience to STEM learning.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050415/SFF034LOGO)
Robotevents.com is a comprehensive online resource that brings together
information from many of the pioneers in the educational robotics community.
Robotevents.com will give users the unprecedented ability to locate and
register for top robotics and technology competitions by geography and date,
including BEST Robotics Competition, Botball Education Robotics Program, FIRST
Lego League, FIRST Robotics Competition, FIRST Tech Challenge and VEX Robotics
Competitions. Robotevents.com will be updated daily with information on new
events.
Other site features include news and information on industry conferences,
camps and workshops focused on technology and professional development for
educators. Educators interested in implementing robotics programs in the
classroom will be able to access curriculum such as the NASA Robotics Alliance
Project and other resources. Visitors will also be able to access robotics
blogs and online forums, and view the latest designs in a variety of robot
galleries. The site will also feature a "cool robot of the week."
"There are many fantastic robotics programs out there -- from elementary
all the way to college level," said Jason Morrella, senior director of
education and competition at Innovation First. "However, only five to 10
percent of schools take advantage of these programs. Robotevents.com is our
way of spreading the word about these great programs in a way that is easy to
understand and navigate. We hope more young people can discover robotics
programs, explore the possibilities of STEM through an entirely new
perspective and have a great time during the process."
Robotics has increased in popularity among today's students at both the
secondary and post-secondary level, with more than 450 events and competitions
taking place in 2006 alone. A recent study shows that 89 percent of students
who participated in robotics activities better understood the role of science
and technology in their everyday life, while 69 percent said that learning
about robotics made them more interested in science and technology careers*.
In addition to helping students develop STEM skills, robotics also promotes
the development of critical skills such as teamwork, collaboration, critical
thinking, professionalism and problem-solving.
The Innovation First team brings a combined 129 years of experience
providing robotics programs to students and educators and serves more than
140,000 students, representing 12,000 teams around the world. Robotevents.com
is part of Innovation First and Autodesk's ongoing commitment to foster the
next generation of engineering professionals. The partnership is an extension
of Autodesk's support of robotics, which during the past 16 years, has
included a contribution of approximately $89 million of software and training
to support participants of the FIRST Robotics competitions.
"We are excited to partner with Innovation First to inspire students and
educators to explore the exciting world of robotics," said Paul Mailhot,
senior director of worldwide education programs for Autodesk. "With the
present shortage of engineers worldwide, robotics is a highly effective way to
engage students of all ages in engineering, get them excited about STEM, and
prepare them for future academic and professional success."
"I was blown away by the features of Robotevents.com," said George Blanks
of the BEST Board of Directors and director of K-12 Engineering Outreach at
Auburn University. "As a volunteer-based initiative, this new site, along with
the registration system, will help us promote and grow our program in ways we
only dreamed were possible -- all the while reaching more schools and teams
with a more professional, consistent, higher-quality and improved experience."
Autodesk encourages Robotevents.com visitors to join the Autodesk Student
Engineering and Design Community to download free* student versions of popular
2D and 3D design software, including Autodesk Inventor software, which is used
by professional robotics engineers throughout the world. A link to the
Autodesk online community can be found on the Robotevents.com homepage.
Any secondary or post-secondary student or educator with a valid education
email address can join the Autodesk Student Engineering and Design Community
by logging on to http://www.autodesk.com/edcommunity.
Students and educators can start exploring the world of robotics today at
http://www.robotevents.com.
About Innovation First, Inc.
Innovation First, Inc., a privately held S corporation, was founded on the
belief that innovation very early in the design process is necessary to
produce simple and elegant product designs. Innovation First, Inc. began
producing electronics for unmanned mobile ground robots, and is now an
industry leader in the hobby, competition and education markets. The company's
award-winning Vex Robotics Design System, VEXplorer, HEXBUG Micro Robotic
Creatures, and IFI Robotics span the education, consumer and
business-to-business markets. Innovation First's staff are unmatched in their
experience in supporting and running educational and competitive robotics
competitions. Leveraging the company's core competency in electrical and
mechanical engineering, the RackSolutions division works closely with all
major computer OEMs to provide custom mounting solutions and industry-wide
rack compatibility for data installations of all sizes. With an advanced
in-house metal fabrication plant, distribution center, and offices located
together in a 13 acre complex in Greenville, Texas, the company is poised to
continue on a rapid growth path. Please visit http://www.innovationfirst.com
for additional information.
About Autodesk Education
Autodesk is committed to supporting students and educators by providing
access to powerful 2D and 3D design software, innovative programs and
resources designed to inspire the next generation of professionals to
experience their ideas before they're real. By advancing education in the key
areas of science, technology, engineering, math and visual communications,
Autodesk is helping students develop critical skills for future academic and
career success. Autodesk supports schools and institutions of higher learning
worldwide through substantial discounts, subscriptions, grant programs,
training, curricula development and community resources. For more information
about Autodesk education programs and solutions, visit
http://www.autodesk.com/education.
About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc. is the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the
manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets.
Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the
broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art digital prototyping solutions to help
customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies
rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world
performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance
quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk,
visit http://www.autodesk.com.
* American Society for Engineering Education, "ASEE Announces Newly
Improved K-12 Outreach Program Database," American Society for Engineering
Education (April, 2006).
*Free products are subject to the terms and conditions of the end-user
license agreement that accompanies download of the software.
Autodesk, AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor and Inventor 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.
(C) 2007 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.
Contact: Liz Risoldi, GCI Group for Innovation First, Inc.
Phone: 310-526-5506
E-mail: lrisoldi@gcigroup.com
Contact: JulieAnna Little, Edelman for Autodesk
Phone: 503-471-7806
E-mail: julieanna.little@edelman.com
SOURCE Autodesk, Inc. 10/08/2007
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050415/SFF034LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Web site: http://www.autodesk.com
(ADSK)
3790 10/08/2007 08:00 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com
