Microsoft teams up with Autodesk to help create 3D engineering models via HoloLens

Microsoft and Autodesk will be working together to help develop software for Microsoft's HoloLens augmented reality technology. Autodesk's solution is called Autodesk Fusion 360, and it will be created as a way to help product designers and engineers create better devices.

Beyond just giving designers a way to create concepts via a 3D model that can be viewed via the HoloLens, Autodesk says it wants to offer new ways to view such objects for both designers and customers:

"We explored ways to make work areas have infinite space by using walls and open areas overlaid with holographic objects. We explored how users could collaborate together by looking at the same holographic model and being able to walk around it and discuss various aspects of the design as if it were really sitting on their table. We explored the possibilities of creating and editing directly from a holographic model, as well as pitching a final design to an executive team or a customer."

There's no word yet on when Autodesk Fusion 360 will be released, nor how much it will cost. Microsoft is scheduled to offer developer kits for HoloLens in the first quarter of 2016 for the price of $3,000.

Source: Microsoft, Autodesk

John Callaham