Joe Biden addressed the nation for the first time as president-elect on Saturday. But it was what followed that had the crowd and even himself surprised.
A light show in Wilmington, Delaware, illuminated the night sky spelling out “Biden,” “46” and “USA.”‘ It even included a map of the United States.
It wasn’t just your traditional fireworks at work: The technology that made it possible included a swarm of drones equipped with special lights. It’s been used at Disney theme park shows for years and showcased at other big-ticket events like the Super Bowl and the Olympics.
The tech behind it all
The drone light shows are powered by multiple LED-lit drones.
They swirl through the sky in a choregraphed dance at the control of a computer and a human “pilot,” and they’re pre-programmed to show specific words, colors and images. The drones are usually quadcopters — a drone with four rotors and often complement firework displays.
But the power isn’t in the drones; it’s packed inside the software.
Each drone uses a GPS system for their positioning and navigation and are controlled with automated software through a computer. The software can turn graphics into flight commands that are communicated to each drone. The drones are typically launched from the ground and monitored using wireless communication during the show.