What software does Autodesk grant to FRC teams?
Each registered FRC  team is allocated (10) single seat licenses Autodesk® Inventor™ Professional 2009,  (5) single seat licenses of Autodesk® 3ds Max® 2009 and (5) single seat licenses of Autodesk Combustion 2008. Note:  If you are assigned Autodesk 3ds Max, you will automatically receive a license of Autodesk Combustion. The software license is good for 365 days after product activation. Learn more.

Can I use this software for my school classroom or for another use besides FIRST?
The granted software is intended for support of FRC team efforts only is not licensed for schools to use in classrooms or labs.   If the Autodesk software is used in a manner in which it was not intended, the user’s license may be de-activated and further actions may be taken.

Can I install my software without completing the product activation?
Yes. It can be installed in trial mode for 30 days without a license. However, you will need to activate your software with your unique serial number with Autodesk after you download the software. If you do not activate your software, it will time-out after 30 days. Once you activate the software, you will have a 365 day license on the software. 

Where can I find help with product activation?
Product activation is a software-based license management technology incorporated into many Autodesk® products.  If you are having any problem with the activation, you may call the Autodesk Business Center at  1-800-551-1490.  This phone number is not for any questions on the FIRSTbase site or technical support on the product.  It is strictly for help with licensing your software.  Your serial number is located under the "My Software" section of the FIRSTbase site once you are logged in.  Learn more.

Can I get copies of other Autodesk software?
Autodesk re-evaluates the software donation each year.  For the 2009 FRC season, Autodesk Inventor Professional 2009, Autodesk 3ds Max 2009 and Autodesk Combustion 2008 are being granted to the teams.

How do I get technical support for Autodesk products?
The granted software does not include a support/subscription contract. Please take advantage of the resources available on the FIRSTbase site for your technical support needs. Learn more.

What kind of training is being offered to FRC teams?
Autodesk has a variety of online training materials/demonstrations and resources that are custom designed for FRC teams by product and level. Learn more.

Where can I buy Autodesk software?
Autodesk software can be purchased through an education reseller. To find an education reseller near you, click here 

Why is Autodesk sponsoring FIRST?
Autodesk believes in helping students experience their ideas before they are real and push the boundaries of creative engineering and animation. Autodesk will proudly continue its quest to help develop the next generation of engineers and animators. Learn more.

Can you tell me about the Autodesk Design Competition?
Each season, Autodesk holds a design competition that utilizes the Autodesk software provided to teams. Autodesk encourages all the FRC teams to submit an entry to compete for the Autodesk Awards of Excellence. The Autodesk Inventor Award recognizes outstanding student achievement in mechanical design of the team robot using Autodesk Inventor® software. The Autodesk Visualization Award recognizes outstanding student achievement in animation. Autodesk challenges teams to use Autodesk® 3ds Max® software to produce a 30-second animation that best depicts the theme assigned in the Autodesk Design Competition. This is a terrific opportunity for teams to be recognized for specific achievements and to win prizes. Learn more.

Does Autodesk offer internships?
Autodesk does have opportunities for internships.  Requirements can vary based on needs of the company, so check the Autodesk website for more information.  Learn more.

How do I get involved with FIRST?
Visit their website at http://www.usfirst.org/ for volunteer opportunities in your area.

How do I provide feedback to Autodesk?

• Send an email to Autodesk.
• At the end of each FIRST season, we will conduct a post-season survey. If you are registered on the Autodesk FIRSTbase site and have opted-in to allow us to communicate with you, we will send you an invitation to participate in the survey.