800 drones took to the air as part of Hong Kong's recently announced Waterfront Carnival. Intended to help boost the local economy, the Carnival featured musical performances, food, and product vendors.
DMD Digital Art, the company presenting the light show, managed the technical feat of launching, maneuvering, and then landing hundreds of drones. Shortly after 8pm, the machines lit up and a buzz filled the air. The drones flew together to form moving images such as shooting stars, a swimming whale, and a revolving solar system, before landing back in their boxes. Alas, one drone wouldn't make it back as it plunged into the water.
"I was nervous,” said Justin Yeung, Project Manager for DMD. “It was the first time we flew them over Victoria Harbour!” With most of the drones safely on the ground, he and his team celebrated with high fives and selfies and prepared for the next night's show.