CAD software helps robotics hobbyists
A
SolidWorks Corporation product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Feb 28, 2008
The VEXplorer Robotics Design System comes with the SolidWorks Student Design Kit, allowing users to download add-on parts from the internet using the same tools as engineering professionals.
Budding inventors and interscholastic competitors are using SolidWorks 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 Revell.
Inventors use SolidWorks software to plot their use of wheels, arms, claws and cameras.
The VEXplorer is sold directly to consumers online and through 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 Innovation First 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 organisations.
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.
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 Centre at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
"SolidWorks helps our students create, visualise, 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 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.
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