New Payload Slashes Time and Boosts Efficiency for Complex Survey Projects by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian J. McNabb At InterGeo this week, Switzerland-based drone manufacturer Wingtra recently announced their new MAP61 mapping payload, which they describe as “the most efficient mapping sensor on the market”. Able to capture up to 1,140 acres in a single […]
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Drone light shows have become a captivating blend of technology and artistry. One company at the forefront of the trend, Sky Elements, just made history by finishing third on AGT Season 19.
It’s a huge milestone considering no drone light show company has come anywhere near this far on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, let alone made a podium finish. Their AGT Season 19 run brought an innovative twist to a competition traditionally dominated by singers, dancers, and acrobats. Alas, Sky Elements didn’t win the final, $1 million prize, but they did cement their status as trailblazers in the world of entertainment.
“Inspirational, brilliants, unique,” said judge Simon Cowell of Sky Elements podium finish. “I think it was great for us, and I think it was great for you.”
Sky Elements’ rise to prominence on AGT is nothing short of remarkable. For starters, they showed their prowess in mastering the technical challenges of using drones as artistic tools. That’s not just having the right hardware and software, but also working with the Federal Aviation Administration to fly swarms of drones over Pasadena.
From there, they brought in intricate choreography that was just as emotional as it was thoughtful.
In a finale packed with performances from world-class artists and entertainers, the drone specialists held their own, delivering one last breathtaking display outside the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. That was their fifth drone show to air on NBC’s America’s Got Talent.
Their audition nabbed a Golden buzzer from Simon Cowell. Perhaps the spacewalk who turned out to be, well, Simon Cowell himself, had something to do with it. They then performed a circus-themed drone show at Quarter Finals, which took them to an emotional Semi-Finals performance. That show memorialized the daughter of Sky Elements Chief Pilot Preston Ward. Named Briley Rose, she passed away as an infant. For the America’s Got Talent finale, which yours truly (that’s me, Drone Girl) attended live, Sky Elements performed a show called American Dream.
Winners were determined based on audience votes. The America’s Got Talent rules allow each person to submit up to 10 votes for every performer.
Ultimately Sky Elements didn’t get enough votes to win the top, $1 million spot. Here were the top 5, in order from position 5 all the way down to the top, gold medal spot:
5. Learnmore Jonasi – The comedian’s unique brand of humor and relatable storytelling earned him a spot in the top five.
4. Solange Kardinaly – The quick-change magician brought clever humor — and impeccable sewing skills — to the stage.
3. Sky Elements – The drone show company amazed audiences with their precise and colorful light shows, using hundreds of drones to create unforgettable spectacles.
2. Roni Sagi & Rhythm – The electrifying dancers (one of which is a dog) fused rhythm and incredibly choreography.
1. Richard Goodall – The singing janitor stole America’s hearts — and ultimately nabbed the $1 million prize.
The AGT finale wasn’t just about the competition. The episode featured performances by some of the biggest names in entertainment. Olympic legend Simone Biles promoted her Gold Over America Tour, while The Voice coach Michael Bublé serenaded the audience with his classic crooner style. Neal Schon and members of Journey performed timeless hits (including a rendition of “Don’t Stop Believing” with winner Richard Goodall.
Others in the top 10 performed alongside already-famous performers. For example, DJ Steve Aoki spun a set in tandem with AIRFOOTWORKS.
For us, though, the highlight was Sky Elements’ top-three finish, which highlights a turning point for tech-driven performance art on mainstream stages.
Want to learn how to make your own drone light show? Check out the Drone Dojo light show kit, which starts at just $1,000. Or, check out the even more robust DroneBlocks Light Show Kit which includes more drones for $7,500.
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The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and Singapore’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) launched the U.S.-Singapore Joint Challenge to identify novel unmanned aerial systems (UAS) communications technologies and counter-UAS technologies. The joint challenge consists of two opportunities to identify and scale dual-use technologies for operational demands: First, the challenge seeks to help ships operating close to shore […]
– Rohde & Schwarz, a provider of counter uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS), is showcasing its ARDRONIS C-UAS family, integrated through the updated SAPIENT standard protocol, at the NATO Technical Interoperability Exercise (TIE) event in Vredepeel, Netherlands. The exercise brings together civilian and military specialists, as well as over 60 industry participants, to test counter-drone technologies […]
Advanced Protection Systems (APS), a Polish counter-drone technology company, has developed a new autonomous interceptor drone designed to neutralize unmanned aerial vehicles through direct collision. This new and cost-effective solution adds to APS’s growing portfolio of anti-drone tools, which are already being used to protect Ukraine’s skies from Russian UAVs. The interceptor drone is part […]
With the investment of a double-digit million amount in Quantum-Systems GmbH, Porsche Automobil Holding SE is adding a fast-growing technology company from Germany to its portfolio. Based in Gilching near Munich, the company develops and produces state-of-the-art drones for sensor-based data capturing as well as surveillance and reconnaissance purposes. The use cases include, for example, […]New investments to support global expansion and technological advancements Quantum Systems, a key innovator in drone technology, has successfully raised over €100 million through an additional Series B funding round. The latest investors, Notion Capital and Porsche Automobil Holding SE (Porsche SE), have joined existing stakeholders in demonstrating their support for the company’s growth and […]
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BIRDS Introduces Autonomous Security Solutions Tailored to Client Needs A new drone services provider, BIRDS, has launched operations in São Paulo, offering autonomous security systems designed to meet the security needs of major organizations throughout Brazil. BIRDS is the product of collaboration between three major companies: Speedbird Aero, a Brazilian UAS manufacturer and delivery service […]
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Streamlined Compliance and Enhanced Safety for Drone Operations ANRA Technologies and Hover UAV have announced the launch of SORA-Mate, a new automated tool designed to simplify risk assessments for drone operators. The platform is available in Australia, New Zealand, and across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. A Solution for Expanding Drone Operations Drones have become an […]
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Drone Express Aims to Revolutionize Delivery with Marketplace Model and Rapid Service Expansion By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill Drone Express, based in Dayton, Ohio, is pursuing a business model that company officials hope will someday make it the Amazon of the drone delivery industry. The company, which recently launched delivery service operations in Winston-Salem, […]
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