Freeform Modeling Defines the 'State of the Art' in Digital Modeling With Version 2 Release.

Business/Technology Editors

National Manufacturing Week

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 15, 2000

SensAble Technologies today made the revolution in digital modeling more tangible than ever with the release of FreeForm(TM) Version 2. Its numerous enhancements stem from close interaction with enthusiastic early adopters like Hasbro, Honda, Fisher-Price, and Gentle Giant, and further improve users' ability to quickly and easily translate their creative inspirations directly into 3D digital form.

The FreeForm system allows users to model on the computer using their sense of touch, blending the intuitiveness and expressiveness of physical modeling with the power and productivity of digital modeling. First launched at Siggraph '99 last August, it has quickly gained customer, analyst, and press acclaim as the most significant innovation to hit 3D modeling in years. "The FreeForm modeling system represents a giant step forward in both 3-D modeling and computer-human interface design. Products like this herald a new era in computing" according to David Em of the Byte Media Lab.

Version 2 builds upon the initial breakthrough with new tools and improved workflow. Users with traditional backgrounds will appreciate improved, more realistic "soft clay" sculpting modes, as well as a more interactive smoothing tool for removing unwanted marks and surface roughness. The "feel" of FreeForm tools has been refined through extensive feedback from world-class sculptors. The result, as explained by Diana Walczak of Kleiser-Walczak Construction Co, is that the FreeForm system, "speeds up the organic modeling process by orders of magnitude, because it provides a more direct link between the artistic thought process and the end product. It frees the sculptor to create."

A holistic understanding of customers' development workflow led to better links between FreeForm modeling and the rest of their process. 2D conceptual work can be brought in as reference images or geometry used directly for model creation. Engineered parts, from battery packs to footwear components, can be imported from CAD systems as basic shapes to be refined or as "no fly zones" that modelers can't violate. OBJ export helps downstream workflow for D.C.C. and product visualization/rendering. A new decimation toolkit reduces model file size while holding detail in areas where it's most needed.

Customers from the toy, footwear, furniture, digital content creation, and conceptual design industries are using the FreeForm system to tackle modeling challenges previously beyond the capabilities of computer software. The results are big improvements in productivity and time-to-market that come without sacrificing high quality standards. According to Gary Pitman, Global Head of Technical Services for Adidas, "FreeForm modeling could reduce the hours spent to make a prototype by up to 80%." Roger Hulks, director at leading European modeling firm Synapse, observed that "the FreeForm system enhances the creative skills of our designers, as well as providing the downstream advantages of digital data, like the flexibility to make changes and export data for rapid prototyping and tool manufacturing."

About the FreeForm modeling system

FreeForm tools use familiar, physical metaphors, such as sculpting and wire cutting, that work in a direct and obvious manner. Controlling these tools through touch gives users an unprecedented connection to their model. "Intent" flows directly into the digital form, and any type of nuance or gesture can be faithfully captured. In addition to delivering the flexibility and expressiveness of clay, direct model interaction and familiar tools help eliminate the months-long learning curve typically needed to master 3D modeling software. As a result, the well-known productivity benefits of digital modeling can now be applied to a variety of modeling challenges previously beyond the capabilities of computer software.

About SensAble Technologies

SensAble Technologies, the industry leader in 3D Touch(TM) force-feedback technology, is redefining the way professional computer users interact with their 3D data. SensAble and its products, including the PHANTOM(TM) family of hardware interfaces, have won numerous awards and have been featured in publications worldwide, including The Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek and Fortune. SensAble's recently released FreeForm modeling system, its first end-user application, was honored by Computer Graphics World with the 1999 Grand Innovation Award. The company has over 250 customers in more than 25 countries, including General Electric, Disney, Hasbro, Boeing, Honda and leading universities worldwide. For more information, visit the website at www.sensable.com.

SensAble, PHANTOM, FreeForm, GHOST and 3D Touch are trademarks or registered trademarks of SensAble Technologies, Inc. All other companies and products referenced herein have trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

SensAble Technologies, Inc., 15 Constitution Way, Woburn, MA 01801. Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone], Web: www.sensable.com, Email: [e-mail].