By Godson Umejiego, Correspondent USA

Sony Electronics Inc. has teamed up with Sketchfab, an online platform to share and sell 3D artwork, for a modeling challenge to design and showcase new innovative robot concepts. Sony Electronics recently announced its focus on 3R technology – reality, real-time and remote being their emphasis on future innovations. This challenge centers around the theme of reality with robots as an increasingly integrated part of today’s “new normal,” and inspiring the more than 3 million artists and designers on Sketchfab to take their creativity to new heights.

“We are excited to team up with a creative hub like Sketchfab to bring this concept and challenge to life,” stated vice president, New Business and Corporate Marketing Group, Sony Electronics, North America, Michiko Araki Kelley. “We’re confident the community will bring the best creativity forward, possibly defining the future of robotics.

As a prize sponsor in the Sketchfab 3D Robot Modeling Challenge Contest, Sony will give away one of their latest award-winning innovations, the Spatial Reality Display (ELF-SR1) valued at US$4999.99. Using spatial reality to merge the virtual and physical worlds, the Spatial Reality Display delivers an impressive 3D optical experience viewable with the naked eye. This SR Display’s 3D visual technology delivers a futuristic, yet highly-practical visual experience where detailed colors, textures, contrasts, and brightness converge, forming a new creative medium for image, character and product design, visualization and manipulation.

“As Sony develops innovative tools like the Spatial Reality Display for creators in the 3D realm, we see this as the perfect opportunity to take a futuristic theme and apply it to a real-world challenge that leads to actual value for creators,” said Co-founder & CEO of Sketchfab, Alban Denoyel. “We look forward to seeing the winners’ concepts come to life on the new Spatial Reality Display.”

Entries in the Sketchfab 3D Robot Modeling Challenge Contest will be judged on quality, creativity, presentation, adherence to the theme, and effective use of Sketchfab viewer settings.

How to Enter

Create a 3D model of an innovative, futuristic robot.

If you base your entry on existing concept art, be sure to ask permission from the concept artist, credit them, and link back to their work.

Submit only new work, but feel free to submit multiple scenes.

Once you’ve created your scene, upload it to Sketchfab and tag it #SonyRobotChallenge.

Submission deadline is Monday, March 1, 2021 (23:59 New York time, EST).

Prizes

Grand Prize (one winner)

Sony’s Spatial Reality Display (model ELF-SR1, US$4999.99 value)

Framed art print of the winning 3D model

US$100 Amazon gift card

12 months of Sketchfab Plus service

Runners Up (two winners)

Sony’s Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones (model WH-1000XM4, US$299.99 value)

US$50 Amazon gift card

6 months of Sketchfab Plus service