Robots Help Neiman Marcus Celebrate Christmas

Posted 24 Dec 2007 at 20:58 UTC by steve

Neiman Marcus is know for extravagant window displays at Christmas time and this year is no exception. Under development since the summer of 2007, this year's window display at their downtown Dallas store includes three industrial robot arms (representing Dad, Mom, and Junior). The robots pick and place ornaments on several chrome Christmas trees, including one 15 foot tree made of rotating metal rings. The robots "communicate" with each other by holding up cue cards. The display was put together with the help of the UTA Texas Manufacturing Association Center (TMAC) and UTA industrial engineering students. According to the Assembly Magazine blog, "one of the challenges faced by the TMAC team was combining the aesthetics of an artistic project with the high level of precision required on an industrial project.". Thinking that the robots might not be extravagant enough, Neiman Marcus kicked off this year's Christmas festivities by having Santa arrive by jet pack, courtesy of Dan the Rocketman. The display will run through mid-January 2008, so if you're in the area (1618 Main St., Dallas, TX), stop by and take a look. For more see the Pegasus News story. Props to kuka for the tip.