The use of drones in light shows is a relatively recent development, with the first drone light show taking place in 2012. The idea of using drones for light shows is credited to a group of researchers at ETH Zurich, a Swiss university.
The researchers, led by Professor Raffaello D’Andrea, were experimenting with drone technology and exploring the possibilities of using drones for entertainment purposes. In 2012, they developed a system of drones that could be programmed to fly in formation and light up in different colors.
Their first public demonstration of the technology was at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in June 2012. The drone light show, which consisted of 50 drones flying in formation and lighting up the night sky, was a huge success and generated a lot of buzz.
The use of drones at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in June 2012 was a relatively new and innovative concept at the time. Several companies and organizations used drones to capture aerial footage of the festival and surrounding areas, providing a unique perspective that was not previously possible.
One of the most notable uses of drones at the festival was by the advertising agency BBH, which used a drone to deliver drinks to attendees at a party hosted by Google. The drone was equipped with a small basket and navigated through the crowd to deliver beverages to guests.
While the use of drones at the festival was largely seen as a novelty at the time, it highlighted the potential for drones to be used in a variety of creative and practical applications. Since then, the use of drones has become more common and has been embraced by a wide range of industries, including film and television production, agriculture, and search and rescue operations.
Since then, drone light shows have become increasingly popular, with companies and organizations using them for a variety of events, including concerts, sporting events, and corporate events. Some of the most notable drone light shows in recent years have been the Intel drone light shows at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, and the 2021 Presidential Inauguration in the United States.
Today, there are several companies that specialize in drone light shows, and the technology continues to evolve and improve. As drone technology becomes more advanced, we can expect to see even more impressive and elaborate drone light shows in the future.
