Three hundred Intel Shooting Star drones performed a choreographed aerial show during the Super Bowl Halftime Show, dancing behind Lady Gaga.
The sequence, which was pre-recorded, was the first time the devices were used to complement an entertainment act at an event of this scale.
One computer and a drone pilot controlled all 300 drones. The US Federal Aviation Administration granted special permission for the fleet to fly up to 700 feet.
Intel also secured an additional special waiver to fly the drones in the restrictive class B airspace.
The software and animation interface on the Intel Shooting Star drone system enables to create a light show in several days or weeks based on the animation complexity.
Intel said its algorithms automate the animation creation process by using a reference image, rapidly calculating the required number of drones, identifying the place of drones, and formulating the fastest path to create the image in the sky.
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Intel new technology group senior vice president and general manager Josh Walden said: “Lady Gaga and the Super Bowl creative team wanted to pull off something that had never been done before and we were able to combine Intel drone innovation with her artistry to pull off a truly unique experience.
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“The potential for these light show drones is endless and we hope this experience inspires other creatives, artists and innovators to really think about how they can incorporate drone technology in new ways that have yet to even be thought of.”
After the Pepsi Zero Sugar Super Bowl LI Halftime Show, a 10-second ad showcased the drones forming a Pepsi logo that morphed into an Intel logo.
The Intel Shooting Star drones are a new type of unmanned aerial vehicle, specifically designed for entertainment purposes like festivals and entertainment events.
The purpose-built quadcopter drone is equipped with LED lights that can create more than 4 billion color combinations and easily be programmed for any animation.
