3D CAD software helps VEXplorer consumers develop powerful
machines for fun, competition, and learning
CONCORD, Mass.--(Business Wire)--
Budding inventors and interscholastic competitors are using
SolidWorks(R) 3D CAD software to get the most from their
remote-control robot kits. The software is now included with every new
VEXplorer Robotics Design System, the remote-control robot kit from
model icon Revell. Inventors use SolidWorks software to plot their use
of gnarly wheels, arms, claws, and spycams that will carry out their
bidding.
The VEXplorer is sold directly to consumers through online and
traditional retailers. It comes with the SolidWorks Student Design
Kit, which provides numerous design, rendering, and animation options,
including the ability to download add-on parts from the Internet using
the same tools as engineering professionals.
Revell's VEXplorer is an extension of the popular Innovation
First, Inc. VEX system already widely used in junior high school, high
school, and college robotics classes and endorsed by The Robotics
Academy at Carnegie Mellon, and other organizations. The VEX Robotics
Design System Starter Kit, which also includes SolidWorks software, is
the robotics system of choice for competitors in the FIRST Tech
Challenge, a mid-level robotics competition for high-school students.
Click here (http://blogs.solidworks.com/mediapodcasts/) to listen
to a podcast interview with Marie Planchard, SolidWorks director of
worldwide education markets.
You can subscribe to SolidWorks podcasts through iTunes, My Yahoo
and sign up to an RSS feed linking you to new podcasts.
With more than 300 parts, the VEXplorer can be built in a myriad
of configurations. "With so many options, you definitely want to
design it before you build it," said Kenneth Stafford, director of the
Robotics Resource Center at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
"SolidWorks helps our students create, visualize, change, and refine
the plan before they assemble their robots, ensuring the design comes
together as intended. SolidWorks also connects them to SolidWorks
Corporation's 3D ContentCentral(R) (http://www.3dcontentcentral.com)
parts service, where they can download official VEXplorer parts and
millions of others."
VEXplorer, which itself was designed in SolidWorks software, is
now available at toy and discount merchandise retailers like Toys "R"
Us, Fred Meyer, and Hobby Lobby, as well as at hobby stores across the
nation. Online toy, hobby, discount merchandise, and consumer
electronic retailers for VEXplorer include Amazon.com, Target.com,
Toysrus.com, Fredmeyer.com, Walmart.com, Hobbytownusa.com,
Towerhobby.com, Greatplanes.com, CompUSA.com, Discoverthis.com,
Etoys.com, Museumtour.com, and HammacherSchlemmer.com. The suggested
retail price for VEXplorer is $199 (USD).
"Selecting SolidWorks as a partner was easy," said Mike Brezette,
Revell marketing vice president. "We recognize the company's ability
to create CAD products that give users the freedom to focus on design,
not software. This is exactly what novice inventors and robotics
fanatics alike want to spend their time on."
"Since the VEXplorer parts are the same in every kit, how you put
them together makes a big difference in your robot's performance,"
said Marie Planchard, SolidWorks Corporation's director of worldwide
education markets. "In planning the design with SolidWorks software,
many VEXplorer customers are beginning their engineering careers and,
whether they know it or not, getting a head start with the tools
they'll use the rest of their lives."
About Revell
Revell has been leading the model kit building industry for more
than 60 years with products that provide interactivity, authenticity,
and fun. Revell's product lines are consumer and hobby robotics, model
kits including cars, trucks, ships and planes, R/C vehicles, and slot
cars. Visit http://www.Revell.com.
About Innovation First, Inc.
Innovation First, Inc. 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. Please visit www.innovationfirst.com for
additional information.
About SolidWorks Corporation
SolidWorks Corporation, a Dassault Systemes S.A. (Nasdaq: DASTY,
Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) company, develops and markets software
for design, analysis, and product data management. It is the leading
supplier of 3D CAD technology, giving teams intuitive, high-performing
software that helps them design better products. For the latest news,
information, or an online demonstration, visit the company's Web site
(www.solidworks.com) or call 1-800-693-9000 (outside of North America,
call +1-978-371-5000).
SolidWorks is a registered trademark of SolidWorks Corporation. 3D
ContentCentral is a registered trademark of SolidWorks Corporation.
Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective
owners. Copyright (c) 2008 SolidWorks Corporation.
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SolidWorks Corporation
Nancy Buchino , 978-318-5262
nbuchino@solidworks.com
or
Beaupre & Co. Public Relations, Inc.
Darby Johnson, 603-559-5809
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Copyright Business Wire 2008
