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Lexington's 250 Drone Show: What Goes Into Producing It

The meeting focused on the creation and execution of drone light shows, discussing the technology, software, and logistics involved in producing these complex aerial displays. Participants explored the process of designing and programming drone performances, including storyboarding, 3D modeling, and the use of specialized software tools. The discussion also touched on various aspects of drone show production, such as FAA regulations, safety considerations, and notable performances from around the world.

The segment discusses the creation of drone light shows, focusing on a specific show for Lexington's 250th anniversary. Leslie Bassoff and her team from the Lex 250 Commission developed the concept and storyboard, which were then handed to Firefly Drones for execution. The show required 400 drones and featured a carefully crafted soundtrack that included locally recorded sounds, such as cannon wheels on gravel. The speaker emphasizes the importance of precise positioning technology for the drones and mentions that the maximum number of drones used in a show to date is over 10,000. The high cost of these shows means the Lexington event is unlikely to be repeated.

Harry discusses Firefly's custom drones used for drone shows, emphasizing their professional-grade quality and logistics capabilities. He explains that Firefly maintains a stock of 400 drones, with likely backups, and conducts thorough testing before each show. The drones are controlled by a single computer, using proprietary communication technology that Firefly keeps confidential. Harry mentions that for a 400-drone show, they use an entire football field as a launch area, with a central beacon for positioning. He also notes that there was a no-fly zone established around the event area, enforced through geofencing, though its effectiveness for manned aircraft is questioned.

The meeting segment discusses the creation of drone light shows using software tools like Blender and Skybrush Studio. Harry explained that Blender is used for 3D modeling and animation, while Skybrush Studio is a plugin that customizes it for drone instructions. The process is complex and expensive, with shows costing between $80,000 and $200,000 for hundreds of drones. Harry demonstrated the software interface and mentioned that while open-source versions are available, professional versions are typically used for actual shows.

Harry discussed the process of creating a storyboard for a drone show, focusing on the takeoff grid and the maneuvers the drones would perform. He explained the importance of setting up a home base as the ground 0 coordinates for the drones' movements. Ted raised a question about defining 0 altitude on a non-flat surface, to which Harry responded that the drones' positioning is maintained within a grid-like organization. He also mentioned the need for surveying the site in advance to ensure accurate positioning.

Harry and Ted discussed the process of creating a 3D model and visualizing it using software tools. Harry explained the steps of saving the model, exporting it to Skybrush, and importing it into another program for visualization. They also discussed the potential of customizing the software for specific needs. The conversation also touched on the development of drone technology, particularly in Ukraine, and the use of open-source software in creating drone shows.

Harry discussed various drone shows from around the world, highlighting their unique features and the number of drones involved. He also touched upon the Guinness Book of World Records attempts and the use of swarm technology in drone performances. Harry shared his background in technology and magic, comparing the illusions created by drones to those of magicians. The conversation ended with a discussion on the illusion of intelligence in machines and the role of imagination in attributing personality to them.

Harry discussed the drone show he attended, highlighting the challenges of managing a large number of drones and the need for better programming methods. Ted shared his experience with small drones at MIT, noting their potential for autonomous operation. Steve explained the FAA's permitting process for drone shows, emphasizing the importance of airspace control. The team also discussed the potential for drone strikes, comparing them to bird strikes in airplanes.