Autodesk Labs

Autodesk Labs is an online development collaborative where users can see new technologies and utilities from Autodesk and shape their development. Autodesk Labs gives the public free, early access to prototypes, technology previews, and experimental web services so users can provide feedback on product IDeaS while they’re still in an early conceptual stage.

Technologies & Utilities

Technologies are typically services that Autodesk Labs visitors can try for their own use. These technologies typically revolve around design creation, management, publishing, visualization, review, printing, or programming. Autodesk Labs visitors can relay the results of their experiences with these services via specific email addresses, discussion forums, or comments posted to blogs.

Utilities are typically add-ons or plug-ins to Autodesk design applications such as AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, Revit, 3ds Max, or Autodesk Maya. Autodesk Labs visitors download and install these utilities, try them, and provide feedback on their experiences to specific email addresses, discussion forums, or comments posted to blogs.

Examples:

  • 2D to 3D Tool for Inventor: convert 2D data to 3D models
  • 3D/2D ShareNow: share designs with others
  • Alias Sketch Add-in for AutoCAD: paint, image manipulate, and illustrate while in AutoCAD
  • AutoCAD Freestyle: create quick drawings that can be easily shared
  • Bridge Modeler for AutoCAD Civil 3D: create bridges from Civil 3D objects
  • CommunityCommands for AutoCAD: discover commands from the community
  • Feature Recognition: convert STEP, SAT, or IGES solids to Inventor models
  • Firefox Add-on: embed DWF files in HTML pages and view with Firefox
  • Google Earth Extension: view your drawings in Google Earth
  • iCopy: copy/paste and automatically adjust assemblies
  • Inventor Fusion Technology Preview: unite direct and parametric workflows
  • Inventor Publisher Technology Preview: create compelling 3D documentation
  • Moldflow UI Technology Preview: try the experimental ribbon interface for Moldflow
  • Multitouch HCI: manipulate designs without a mouse or keyboard
  • Piping Design Technology Preview: validate and optimize piping systems
  • Plugin of the Month: provide feedback on utilities from Autodesk Developer Network members
  • Project Bluestreak: collaborate with project group members
  • Project Butterfly: edit DWGs using your web browser
  • Project Dragonfly: create 2D/3D interior designs and floor plans
  • Project Freewheel: collaborate in the cloud using just your browser
  • Project Newport: visualize real-time 3D storybuilding for architects
  • Project Showroom: accessorize with real products and photorealistic results
  • Project Twitch Application Trials: try applications over the internet
  • Rhino Import Translator: directly import Rhino files into Autodesk Inventor
  • Solar Radiation Technology Preview: analyze designs for solar radiation
  • STL Exporter: export Revit models to 3D printers
  • Sustainable Materials Assistant for Inventor: assess sustainability of your designs

A current list of Autodesk Labs technologies is on the Autodesk Labs site.

History

  • On July 30, 2009 Autodesk launched a redesigned Autodesk Labs site to have fewer words and more videos.
  • On August 12, 2008 Autodesk redesigned the home page of the Autodesk Labs site to provide a per-industry focus.
  • On May 1, 2007 Autodesk launched the Autodesk Labs web site separate from the Autodesk.com.
  • On April 10, 2007 Autodesk created the It’s Alive in the Lab Autodesk Labs blog.
  • On June 5, 2006 Autodesk announced the creation of Autodesk Labs.