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

Cambridge, MA, September 10, 1999 - The competition was fierce at the FreeForm™ modeling contest held by SensAble Technologies at Siggraph '99 in Los Angeles. Over 200 participants created models with the newly released FreeForm system. Though entrants had no prior experience with FreeForm modeling and only an hour in which to create models, the quality of the work submitted was remarkable- primarily due to the intuitive interface that allows users to model on the computer using their sense of touch.

Paul Giacoppo of ILM's computer graphics department submitted the winning model of a dinosaur. He is now the proud owner of an entire FreeForm system, including an IBM IntelliStation® Z-Pro, with a total value of over $20,000. Paul's dinosaur can be seen at http://www.sensable.com/freeform/contest.htm. Contest finalists also include Noriaki Kaneko of Inertia Pictures, Mark Knowles of Acclaim Studios UK and Daniel Slavin.

The FreeForm modeling system, unveiled at Siggraph, is the first tool that lets sculptors and designers use their sense of touch while modeling on the computer. It's as intuitive and expressive as physical modeling with clay or foam, yet with all the productivity advantages of a completely digital tool. FreeForm lets users model the way they want to, without constraints on creativity.

FreeForm tools use familiar, physical metaphors, such as sculpting and wire cutting, which 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 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.

Photos and Images Available on Request

SensAble, PHANTOM, FreeForm and 3D Touch are trademarks, and GHOST is a registered trademark of SensAble Technologies, Inc. IntelliStation is a registered trademark of IBM.

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.