[Video] In Amsterdam, they are preparing the first circus performance with drones instead of artists
The Netherlands-based company Fjuze is planning the first circus show in the world, where unmanned multi- rotors will completely replace the artists. According to a press release, a performance called Air will take place at the Amsterdam Arena stadium, but the date of the event is not yet known. The Royal Netherlands Air Force takes part in organizing the event.
There are no other details about the show, but its trailer actually looks amazing: you can see obvious hints at the films “Tron: Legacy” and “Oblivion” with Tom Cruise.
This is not the first time that drones are used in circus shows. Circus du Soleil, in collaboration with the Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (PTI), shot a short film without special computer graphics effects using quadcopters. In the story after a short circuit, a young man is surrounded by flying lampshades: ')
In 2012, Ars Electronica Futurelab enthusiasts also attempted to use drones for the Cloud of Sound outdoor light show. Operators managed 49 quadcopters using specially developed software:
This team of engineers revealed some details of the preparations for the show by publishing the work plan and description of the equipment used in the video shooting:
On another video, a flotilla of 20 quadcopters performs synchronized actions similar to a dance. This is how the algorithm of interaction between drones and the obstacles surrounding them, developed by Daniel Merlinger and Alex Kushleev at KMel Robotics:
A little later at the TED2012 conference, the authors of the previous video showed their new development: quadrocopters playing keyboards, drums, cymbals, and a specially adapted guitar-like melody of the title credits from James Bond films:
Another example of the work of the engineers of the Physicotechnical Institute - multicopters are thrown by the ball with a person, and then juggle with each other: