Drone art (also known as drone display or drone light show) is a captivating and innovative form of entertainment or visual communication that involves the use of multiple drones, often quadcopters, flying in a coordinated fashion with light fixtures attached. These drones are programmed to fly in precise formations, creating intricate patterns, shapes, and animations in the night sky. They are usually equipped with multiple LEDs & the result is a mesmerizing display of lights and movement, often accompanied by music or other audio effects. Drone shows have gained significant popularity due to their ability to create stunning visual spectacles and have been used for various purposes including entertainment events, celebrations, brand promotions, and artistic performances, where the drones may use flocking or swarming behaviour. The drones may also be coordinated to produce images.

The first drone display was presented in 2012 in Linz/Austria, where the Ars Electronica Futurelab introduced SPAXELS (short for "space elements") for the first time.Intel Corporation is often credited with popularizing the idea of using drones for light shows when they produced the Shooting Star, a type of drone used in light shows. They were used during the 2018 Winter Olympics, a Super Bowl halftime show in 2017, and a 2018 Fourth of July celebration. The display in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea featured a record-breaking 1,218 drones forming various shapes and patterns in the sky. Since then, drone shows have evolved and gained traction in various parts of the world.

The concept behind a drone show revolves around using autonomous drones equipped with LED lights to create synchronized and choreographed aerial displays. These displays can range from simple formations like hearts and stars to complex animations that tell stories or display intricate patterns. The coordination of a drone show involves several key steps:

1. Pre-programming: A team of skilled technicians and programmers create a choreography for the drone show using specialized software. Each drone's flight path, timing, and LED light patterns are meticulously programmed.
2. Testing and Simulation: The choreography is tested in simulations to ensure that the drones fly accurately and maintain the desired formations. This helps identify any potential issues before the live performance.
3. GPS and Communication: Drones are often equipped with GPS technology to ensure accurate positioning during the show. They also communicate with a central control system to synchronize their actions.
4. Live Control: While pre-programming is key, there's often a live operator overseeing the drone show during the performance. This allows for real-time adjustments and interventions if necessary.
5. Safety Measures: Safety is a paramount concern in drone shows. Flight paths are carefully planned to avoid collisions, and emergency protocols are in place to handle unexpected situations.

Drone light shows differ from fireworks displays in that drones are reusable, and do not produce air and noise pollution. However, drone displays cannot take place during rain or strong winds. In the 2020s, some cities in the United States replaced Independence Day fireworks displays with drone or laser light shows, to reduce fire risk, air pollution, and disturbance of dogs and people with PTSD.

Potential Uses of Drone Shows:

Drone shows have a wide range of potential applications beyond just entertainment. Some of the areas where drone shows can be used include:

1. Entertainment Events: Concerts, music festivals, and sporting events can benefit from the visual spectacle created by drone shows.
2. Celebrations: Drone shows can enhance celebrations like New Year's Eve, Independence Day, weddings, and corporate parties.
3. Promotions and Marketing: Brands can use drone shows to create memorable promotional events, product launches, and marketing campaigns.
4. Art and Performances: Artists can incorporate drone shows into their performances to create unique and immersive experiences.
5. Public Communication: Drone shows can be used for public communication, conveying messages during emergency situations or important announcements.
6. Education: Drone shows can be educational tools, showcasing scientific concepts, historical events, and more.
7. Cultural Events: Cultural festivals and parades can utilize drone shows to modernize and enhance traditional celebrations.

Scope for a Sustainable Future:

Drone shows hold significant potential for a sustainable future due to their versatility and innovative nature:

1. Environmental Impact: Compared to traditional fireworks displays, drone shows are generally more environmentally friendly as they don't produce harmful chemicals or air pollution.
2. Energy Efficiency: Drone shows can be energy-efficient when compared to traditional lighting displays, especially if the drones use LED lights and are powered by clean energy sources.
3. Adaptability: Drone shows can be adapted to various locations and settings, allowing for creative expressions in both urban and rural environments.
4. Audience Engagement: The captivating nature of drone shows enhances audience engagement and provides a unique experience that can attract more attendees to events.
5. Technological Advancements: As technology continues to evolve, drone show capabilities will likely expand, enabling more intricate and creative displays.

Pros of Drone Shows:

1. Visual Impact: Drone shows offer stunning visual spectacles that captivate audiences and create memorable experiences.
2. Customization: The choreography of drone shows can be tailored to fit specific themes, messages, or artistic visions.
3. Safety: Drone shows eliminate the risks associated with traditional fireworks displays, reducing the chances of accidents.
4. Flexibility: Drones can be programmed to create various formations and animations, providing a high level of flexibility in design.
5. Innovation: Drone shows showcase the intersection of technology and entertainment, fostering innovation in both fields.

Cons of Drone Shows:

1. Cost: Drone shows can be expensive to produce due to the technology, programming, and skilled personnel required.
2. Weather Dependency: Outdoor drone shows are susceptible to weather conditions, and adverse weather can lead to cancellations or delays.
3. Regulations: Drone shows are subject to aviation regulations and require approvals from aviation authorities, which can be complex and time-consuming.
4. Technical Challenges: Ensuring the synchronization and accuracy of a large number of drones can be technically challenging.
5. Limited Visibility: Drone shows are most effective at night or in low-light conditions, which can limit their visibility compared to daytime events.
6. Public Perception: Some individuals may view drone shows as intrusive or noisy, potentially affecting their overall reception.

Cost:

The cost of a drone light show will vary depending on several factors, such as the size of the event, location, duration, complexity of the design, and the number of drones needed.

Generally speaking, pricing starts at around $5-$10 per drone per minute for basic designs with fewer drones but can go up significantly if you’re looking for something more complex or larger scale with multiple drones involved.

For example, if you are planning an event for 500 people with a 10-minute long show featuring 10-20 drones and intricate patterns in the sky, then you would expect to pay somewhere in the range of $5-$10 thousand dollars. On the other hand, smaller events with simpler designs may only cost anywhere from $500-$1000 depending on the details.

In addition to paying for your actual show itself (in most cases), there are also rental fees associated with renting out drone equipment like remote controllers and extra batteries that can add up quickly when throwing a larger event or party.

These fees will vary depending on what type of equipment is needed and how many hours it needs to be used for.

The software needed to execute a successful drone light show is the most costly component.

It can be done ourselves but we need to make sure that our chosen software works with the controller and can support controlling multiple drones simultaneously, while still displaying other visuals.

But we can choose to use others, as there are numerous options available – ranging from free-of-cost solutions such as Aerobo or SkylumFlocktivity (only for Android gadgets) up to high-end professional systems like those provided by Red Bull and Intel drone-light shows.

The expense of a drone light show is based on the number of drones utilized, and this can drastically affect the total cost. Suppose you only plan to use 5 drones, then each hour will likely cost $250-$500.

Other costs could also include insurance, permits, logistics, power supply, miscellaneous & post-production (if required). All this is confined to what happens abroad.

In India, there are a few companies that offer drone light show services, most notably BotLab Dynamics&Geoscan but their entire pricing plan isn’t available as they prefer to discuss the demographics of your requirement before giving you an estimate. However, roughly a 100 drone light show could cost anywhere between 18-25 lakhs INR.

It's important to note that costs can vary significantly depending on the scale of the show. Large-scale drone shows with a substantial number of drones, complex choreography, and advanced technology will naturally incur higher expenses compared to smaller shows.

Also, in India, mostly the entire drone show right from the pre-production to the post-production, everything is handled by the company. The company even takes the necessary permissions/permits on your behalf for the show, which is why it is advisable to plan the show at least 6-8 weeks ahead.

Indian Market:

There is a promising future for drone shows on a small scale in a country like India, especially with the availability of tie-ups with drone manufacturers. Most of the companies however, still rely on Chinese drones or drones made outside of India. Here are some reasons why drone shows could have a successful future in India:

1. Cultural Celebrations: India is known for its rich cultural diversity and numerous festivals. Drone shows could add a modern and captivating element to traditional celebrations, attracting a wider audience and making these events more memorable.
2. Weddings and Special Events: In India, weddings and other special occasions are often grand affairs. Incorporating drone shows into these events can provide a unique and upscale entertainment option.
3. Brand Promotions: Businesses in India can leverage drone shows for product launches, store openings, and promotional events, creating a lasting impact on their audience.
4. Tourism and Hospitality: India's tourism sector can benefit from drone shows to enhance the experience for visitors at historical sites, monuments, and cultural attractions.
5. Educational and Awareness Programs: Drone shows can be used for educational purposes, explaining historical events, scientific concepts, and environmental issues in a visually engaging manner.
6. Innovation and Technology: India's growing technology sector and emphasis on innovation create a conducive environment for the adoption of cutting-edge entertainment technologies like drone shows.
7. Environmental Considerations: Given the concerns over air and noise pollution caused by traditional fireworks, drone shows can provide a greener alternative for celebrations.
8. Growing Drone Industry: With tie-ups with drone manufacturers not being an issue, the availability of advanced drone technology makes it easier to execute high-quality and synchronized drone shows.

The impact of more companies or new companies using Made-in-India drones for light shows can be significant:

1. Economic Boost: Increased usage of domestically manufactured drones would contribute to the growth of the Indian drone industry, fostering economic development and job creation.
2. Technological Advancement: As more Indian drone manufacturers enter the market, competition and innovation would likely drive improvements in drone technology, potentially leading to more advanced and cost-effective solutions.
3. National Security and Regulations: Using locally manufactured drones can help mitigate potential national security concerns related to foreign-made drones. Additionally, it can align with regulatory requirements and promote compliance with local drone regulations.
4. Reduced Dependence on Imports: Relying less on imported drones, especially from certain countries, can enhance India's self-reliance and reduce vulnerabilities related to global supply chains.
5. Brand Perception: Indian companies using Made-in-India drones for events like drone shows can showcase their commitment to supporting local industries and promoting indigenous technology.
6. Export Opportunities: A strong domestic drone industry can potentially lead to opportunities for exporting Indian-made drones to other countries, further boosting the economy.
7. Cultural and National Identity: Using locally made drones can contribute to a sense of national pride and identity, especially when showcasing Indian creativity and technology.

However, for this scenario to materialize successfully, several factors need to be addressed:

1. Quality and Reliability: Made-in-India drones need to meet high quality and reliability standards to compete effectively with established global brands.
2. Regulatory Compliance: Manufacturers must ensure that their drones comply with national and international aviation regulations, maintaining safety and legality.
3. Support Ecosystem: A strong support ecosystem, including technical support, spare parts availability, and repair services, must be established to ensure the longevity of drones in the market.
4. Market Acceptance: Indian consumers and event organizers need to recognize and embrace the value and uniqueness of drone shows, encouraging their adoption.
5. Skill Development: Skilled personnel for drone programming, operation, and maintenance must be developed to support the growth of the drone show industry.

However, a successful implementation of drone shows on a small scale in India would require addressing certain factors:

1. Regulations and Permissions: Working within India's aviation regulations and obtaining necessary permissions for drone operations is crucial.
2. Infrastructure and Training: Developing the required infrastructure for drone operations and training skilled operators and technicians will be essential.
3. Local Acceptance: Ensuring that local communities and authorities are comfortable with the concept of drone shows can prevent potential conflicts.
4. Market Demand: While there is potential, assessing the local market's demand and willingness to pay for drone shows is important for sustainability.
5. Cost-Effectiveness: Even on a small scale, managing costs and ensuring a reasonable return on investment is essential for the viability of drone show ventures.
6. Weather Challenges: India's diverse climate might pose weather-related challenges that need to be considered in scheduling drone shows.

Overall, if managed effectively, drone shows have the potential to thrive on a small scale in India. With the right strategy, creativity, and attention to local factors, they can offer a fresh and captivating form of entertainment while aligning with India's modernization efforts and cultural celebrations.

*List of each & every drone light show done till date:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drone_art#List_of_drone_displays