SensAble Technologies
15 Constitution Way
Woburn, MA 01801
T: 781-939-7495
F: 781-937-8325
media@sensable.com

Los Angeles, August 10, 1999 - For years the computer modeling industry has sought "sculpting" metaphors and "clay-like" ease of use. Today, SensAble Technologies made this vision a reality by launching the FreeForm™ modeling system. By allowing users to model on the computer using their sense of touch, the FreeForm system is able to blend the intuitiveness and expressiveness of physical modeling with the power and productivity of digital modeling. It is available immediately from certified resellers and directly through SensAble Technologies.

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.

"FreeForm is the closest thing to real sculpting in the computer I have ever experienced" reports Michael DeFeo, Senior Sculptor at Blue Sky Studios. "Not only does it emulate real, physical sculpting but it also offers additional techniques not possible in real clay, such as pushing out from the inside. SensAble, and FreeForm in particular, are leading the way in providing modelers what they have always been missing in the computer - the ability to model with fine, continuous control that can only be provided by touch."

Hasbro sculptor Dave Bilyeu appreciates how FreeForm modeling complements the product development process. "FreeForm's interactive technology opens up a whole new approach to ideation, prototyping, and final model execution" according to Bilyeu. "The many possible solutions it offers during the developmental process allows for quicker decision-making and a variety of approaches to a single project - which results in bringing a better product to market."

The FreeForm system interfaces digitally with the rest of the computerized design and production process. Whether conceptual designs to be turned into manufactured products or "synthespians" for digital content creation, FreeForm models can be taken downstream into leading surface modeling, CAD, and animation packages. According to Jim Baum, Executive Vice President at the Parametric Technology Corporation, "SensAble's FreeForm modeling system extends the reach of the digital product development process so that now Pro/ENGINEER® can seamlessly integrate with the initial conceptual design stages. The result is a significant opportunity for our customers to reduce their time to market."

The FreeForm system is available immediately and includes the PHANTOM™ Desktop interface hardware and FreeForm modeling software. It runs on Pentium-based Windows NT workstations.

About FreeForm modeling
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 is transforming the way people use computers in the 21st century. Our groundbreaking technology allows you to fully interact with your computer via your sense of touch. Two dimensions-sight and sound-become three, sight, sound and now touch. And that gives you the freedom to work in a more natural, intuitive way. SensAble and its products have won more than a dozen awards and have been featured in publications worldwide, including The Wall Street Journal, Business Week and Fortune. The company has over 450 customers in 30 countries, including adidas-Salomon, Hasbro, Disney, Boeing, Shell, General Electric, NTT Communications, Motorola, Mayo Clinic and leading universities worldwide. For more information, visit 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: 781-937-8315, Fax: 781-937-8325, Web: www.sensable.com, Email: info@sensable.com.