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Autodesk Software Part of New Beginning for Quadriplegic Engineer

^{Published on 2010-07-28 05:36:17 - Market Wire}
 

SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Engineer Frank Alioto is using 3D design software from [ Autodesk, Inc ]. (NASDAQ: ADSK) to steadily recover following an accident that left him with limited mobility. Autodesk donated the software in partnership with the NBC reality TV series aBreakthrough with Tony Robbinsa produced by Reveille. In aBreakthrough with Tony Robbins,a Tony Robbins helps people to make new starts and transform their lives. Together, Autodesk and aBreakthrough with Tony Robbinsa are helping Alioto help overcome obstacles, change his life and redesign his future.

"We hope that he, in turn, inspires others who face limitations of their own."

Before his accident, Alioto worked on the design of aftermarket automotive products. On the evening of his wedding in December 2007, Alioto sustained a serious spinal cord injury that paralyzed his legs, limited his hand movement and temporarily put his personal and professional life on hold. To resume working as an engineer, Alioto had several obstacles to overcome. In addition to the cost of computer hardware and software, Aliotoa™s physical impairments made it a challenge to interface with advanced software applications.

Aliotoa™s plight came to the attention of the production team at aBreakthrough with Tony Robbins,a who worked with Autodesk to find a solution. Autodesk provided a donation of hardware, software and training services from [ Autodesk Consulting ] to help Alioto achieve his goal.

Digital Prototyping Made Accessible

Using a special adaptive touch pad and stylus, Alioto has been able to effectively use the Autodesk solution for [ Digital Prototyping ], which enables designers and engineers to design, visualize and simulate their products and processes using a single digital model that integrates design data from all phases of product development. The suite of donated Autodesk technologies includes:

-- [ Autodesk Alias Design ], to rapidly develop and communicate product concepts

-- [ Autodesk Alias Surface ], to evolve concept models into high-quality production surfaces

-- [ Autodesk Inventor Professional ], to develop complete product designs

-- [ Autodesk Showcase ], to rapidly create accurate, highly realistic imagery from 3D CAD data

-- [ Autodesk 3ds Max Design ], to create dynamic game, film, and video content using advanced 3D modeling, animation and rendering capabilities

aIa™ve been very fortunate to have the Autodesk software at my disposal, and the onsite training that they provided was invaluable in helping me quickly get up to speed and be productive,a said Alioto. aThe combined tools and training have allowed me to get back to doing what I do best: being an engineer.a

While working with Tony Robbins, family, friends and medical specialists to overcome his physical impairments, Alioto has set his sights on returning to the automotive products field, either by telecommuting for an established company or by forming his own venture a" a feat that would have seemed nearly impossible only months ago.

aWe are delighted that Autodesk could contribute toward Aliotoa™s success in breaking through the challenges he faced following his accident,a said Tom Wujec, fellow at Autodesk. aWe hope that he, in turn, inspires others who face limitations of their own.a

The episode focused on Aliotoa™s story aired on NBC on July 27, 2010.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc., is a world leader in 2D and [ 3D design ], engineering and entertainment software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk continues to develop the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art software to help customers experience their ideas digitally before they are built. Fortune 100 companies -- as well as the last 15 Academy Award winners for Best Visual Effects -- use [ Autodesksoftware ] tools to design, visualize and simulate their ideas to save time and money, enhance quality, and foster innovation for competitive advantage. For additional information about Autodesk, visit [ www.autodesk.com ].

About Reveille

Reveille is a leading independent production and distribution company focused on exploitingworldwide intellectual property rightsin scripted andunscripted televisionand digital entertainment,andthe world leader in creating integrated marketing opportunities for advertisers. Reveillea™s innovative scripted entertainment programmingincludes aThe Officea (NBC), aUgly Bettya (ABC), and aThe Tudorsa (Showtime). In addition, the companya™s roster of highly successful reality programming includes aThe Biggest Losera (NBC), aLosing It with Jilliana (NBC), aAmerican Gladiatorsa (NBC), aNashville Stara (NBC),aMasterChefa (FOX); aShear Geniusa (Bravo), aTabathaa™s Salon Takeovera (Bravo); aParental Controla(MTV) and aDate My Moma (MTVa). Reveille's programs have garnered eight Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, three Writers Guild Awards, two Television Critics Awards as well as such distinguished honors as the Peabody Award,the NAACP Image Award andthe GLAAD Media Award.

This press release does not constitute an endorsement by Reveille, NBC, or Tony Robbins of Autodesk or its products or services.

Autodesk, AutoCAD, Alias, Autodesk Inventor, Inventor, Showcase and 3ds Max are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. Academy Award is a registered trademark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

© 2010 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.