Intel’s world-record-holding drone performance, Drone 100, will be making its local debut as part of Vivid Sydney. The drones will showcase different shapes and colours to reveal bespoke animation designed specifically for the Sydney performance.
From June 8 to June 12, 100 illuminated drones will perform a choreographed routine over Sydney Harbour, accompanied by the sounds of the Sydney Youth Orchestra. It will be controlled by one main pilot.
Its inaugural flight took place in November 2015 in Germany and back then, Drone 100 set a Guinness World Record for the most number of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) flying simultaneously. Now, Drone 100 is all set to push the limits of its previous accomplishment, performing for the first time above water, in front of a live, public audience.
Weather permitting, Drone 100 will light up the skies above Sydney Harbour in a 7-minute performance each night starting at 7:55 pm.
Intel general manager of unmanned aviation systems for its perceptual computing group, Anil Nanduri, said with drones quickly emerging as an important computing platform of the future, Drone 100 exemplifies what it means to reinvent experiences with new technology.
“Drone 100 will capture the imagination of all who see it. Through this experience, we hope to inspire the imagination of Vivid Sydney festivalgoers and highlight the future potential of drone technology,” he mentioned.
Now in its sixth consecutive year as Vivid Sydney partner, Intel’s footprint will spread across other Vivid Sydney activities, delivering interactive engagement to audiences with each element of the festival’s programming.
The world-first installation at Darling Harbour also uses Intel’s RealSense technology to capture the faces of visitors in 3D and project them onto a 25-metre high water screen.
Intel’s RealSense technology will feature throughout this year’s program, engaging users in interactive experiences by bringing human senses to smart devices. The technology allows more natural, intuitive and immersive interactions with devices, including gesture control, 3D mapping, augmented reality and immersive chat.
Intel-sponsored screens fitted with free smartphone charging ports and RealSense technology will also be installed in Martin Place and Darling Harbour for the public to access during the festival.
Intel Australia national marketing director, Anna Torres, said she looks forward to the public getting hands-on with the technology that powers Vivid Sydney.
“Intel has elevated its offering to the public year-on-year, bringing festivalgoers mesmerising experiences with art and technology that push the limits of imagination.
“A number of the Vivid Sydney Lightwalk artists will use our technology to create artistic and technological masterpieces, which will then come to life through the public’s engagement. With Intel inside, truly amazing experiences happen outside,” she said.
Vivid Sydney runs until 18 June 2016.
