Drone Swarms

A Transformational Technology

Back in 2016, hundreds of Intel drones flew over the skies at Disney World, choreographed to music as part of a holiday show titled “Starbright Holidays.” Intel's drones also performed behind Lady Gaga during the Super Bowl in 2017. And earlier this year, China celebrated Chinese New Year with a massive drone show. Although these displays are impressive and are certainly a technological achievement, they are pre-scripted and do not demonstrate the transformational potential of swarms of autonomous drones that can respond to, and act on, their environment. Choreographed drone shows represent just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the full capabilities of swarm systems.

Any quick search of recent literature will spotlight applications already being tested, along with many other envisioned future applications that are far more demanding than drone shows. Reconnaissance missions in areas of conflict or natural disasters, delivery of emergency supplies and everyday packages, fire suppression, search and rescue missions, space exploration, weather monitoring and forecasting, patrolling borders and wildlife preserves, and mapping on land and underwater are just some of the many examples of applications for this incredible technology.