In a dazzling display of technological prowess, a Chinese research group has made history by controlling more than 10,000 drones with a single computer, showcasing the country's rapid progress in developing cluster control technology and its potential to drive growth in the low-altitude economy.
The low-altitude economy refers to the economic activities that occur within 1,000 meters of the ground, including the use of civil and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for transportation, delivery, and other low-altitude operations
Drone shows, a key component of the low-altitude economy, have become a staple of urban leisure activities in China, providing a mesmerizing display of technology and innovation that thrills audiences nationwide.
"I think the drone show is great," said a spectator in Zhejiang University, where a drone show was held on Tuesday to celebrate the coming of the year of 2025.
"The show combines many elements, including artificial intelligence and New Year's greetings," said another spectator at the university.
The team, under the company called DAMODA in south China's metropolis Shenzhen, made the breath-taking show at the end of September this year at Shenzhen Bay Park.
Launching 10,197 drones with just one click on a computer, the young team, with an average age of 27 years old, set two Guinness World records -- one for the most drones controlled by a single computer at the same time, and the other for the most drones involved in a light show. According to Qin Haiqun, deputy general manager of DAMODA, drones for this show used China's home-made chips. "Using domestically-developed elements can protect us from being blocked. Actually, China's BeiDou system has been developed well. I'm very proud to use home-made products in our drones," said Qin.
An exclusive technology upgraded by the company allows drones to automatically take off from boxes, and fall back to its location in the box after a performance, as the drones are set with process to automatically scan the QR code to remember their locations before flying away.
Before the technology was upgraded, drone show teams had to manually place drones before a show, and every 1,000 drones will cover an area of about 1,000 square meters, but now only one fifth of the space is needed.
It is China's home-made chips that helps the team realize such a high-precision automatic positioning function.
"The drones are always moving, and never stay still for a moment. It's very difficult to keep 10,000 drones moving together. The performance of each single drone is different, which is actually a challenge to the limits of developers, as well as a challenge to the limits of the operating speed of machines, equipment, and computers," said Huang Zhengyu, market director of the company.
The advanced products and technologies greatly reduces manpower costs of the drone show.
"All the technologies are being developed towards automation and intelligence. We only had about 20 staff on site for the show," Qin said.
The enchanting and vibrant displays attracted many residents and tourists, who eagerly captured images of the drones forming various patterns, including a roc spreading its wings and iconic city landmarks.
"We really did it. We created a mirage in the sky, with Shenzhen's landmarks gathering together, and with images of Wing Chun on it. We really did a cyber light show," said Huang.
The popularity of drone shows is spreading beyond borders, as this innovative form of entertainment is being adopted by cities and countries worldwide, driving cultural and tourism consumption in the process
"We are currently buying 600 drones here. We're going to learn how to use them," said Gabriel Suarez, a 3D animator from Brazil.
"Last year, we opened the market in South America and Europe. The company's overseas business volume increased by 30 percent to 40 percent," said He Zhenchuan, director of the company's overseas sales department. China's low-altitude economy experienced rapid growth in 2024, earning a mention in the government's annual report as a key driver of the country's economic development and a new engine for growth.
"Thanks to the country's policies, I feel that the market has suddenly opened for us. At the beginning of 2024, China issued a regulation on drones, which allows us to apply for an airspace for drones on the Internet. It's much more convenient and faster than the previous application procedure," said Qin.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China estimates that the country's low-altitude market will soar from 500 billion yuan in 2023 to 1.5 trillion yuan in 2025 and as much as 3.5 trillion yuan in 2035.
Chinese team controls over 10,000 drones with single computer in dazzling display
