Inventor is a 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) Software good for modeling parts for your robot.
3D Studio Max (3DS MAX) is 3D Animation software, like what you would use to make a animated movie (Think Toy Story).
2008 is just what they used as the version number, like Microsoft Office 2007
You can get help and tutorials for both these programs at
http://firstbase.autodesk.com
Don't forget to submit an entry for the awards related to these programs at FIRST base!
Good Luck!