Autodesk Gallery: 3D Builder App for LEGO MINDSTORMS

The Autodesk Gallery at One Market in San Francisco celebrates design - the process of taking a great idea and turning it into a reality. With more than 20 different exhibits regularly on display that showcase the innovative work of Autodesk customers, the gallery illustrates the role technology plays in great design and engineering. I am one of about 50 gallery ambassadors. One of our newest exhibits is the 3D Builder App for LEGO MINDSTORMS.

People

• The LEGO Group // more
• MINDSTORMS team // more
• The Inventor Publisher team // more

Software

• Autodesk Maya // more
• Autodesk Inventor Publisher // more
• Autodesk Inventor Publisher Mobile Viewer // more

LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 is a new platform designed to introduce a younger generation to the excitement of building and programming robots. A goal of The LEGO Group is to help children enjoy a seamless, tactile play experience from the 3D digital instructions on their mobile device touch screen to the physical LEGO components. The intent is a great experience to be shared among parents and children.

Autodesk has partnered with The LEGO Group to provide the first ever 3D interactive building instructions for LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3. 3D building instructions have been developed for 5 different robot configurations, each with multiple building "missions" that need to be completed before programming the robots actions. The 3D building instructions are available via a LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 mobile app for iOS and Android tablets as well as via the web on MINDSTORMS.com.

The interactive 3D building instructions allow LEGO MINDSTORMS builders to digitally view how the LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 components fit together, providing an alternative to traditional instructions and bringing the building experience to life. By teaming up with Autodesk, the LEGO Group is able to deliver 3D interactive technology that enhances the MINDSTORMS customer experience. 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.

You don't have to be part of The LEGO Group to do this. Though LEGO used Maya to create their geometry, products designed with nearly any 3D modeling software can leverage Inventor Publisher to create animations. Inventor Publisher can help you deliver a superior customer experience by providing easy-to-use tools for quickly creating clear, accurate and compelling product documentation. Inventor Publisher extends the reach of Digital Prototyping to product documentation teams by giving non-CAD users the ability to easily leverage the same digital model used in the design to manufacturing process. This is a great alternative to traditional instructions by generating 3D interactive content that runs on iPad, Android devices, and on the web.

Check out this TechCrunch LEGO MINDSTORM video:

Thanks to Global Content Manager, Kimberly Whinna Cottrell, and Project Specialist, Timera Hart, who provided some of the content for this blog article. The gallery at One Market is open to the public on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 am to 5 pm, and admission is free. Visit us.

Building blocks are alive in the lab.