The Evolution of Drone Formation Performance Technology: From Single Lighting to the All-Scenes Era of Multiple Mounts

As a key hub for scientific and technological innovation in China, Shenzhen's continuously improving innovation ecosystem and industrial environment have provided a solid foundation for the rapid development of high-end intelligent equipment such as drones. Outdoor drone formation performances, which have been extremely popular in recent years, have also undergone an evolutionary process from 1.0 to 3.0, reflecting continuous technological innovation and application expansion.

The period from 2012 to 2017 is considered the industry's 1.0 era. Intel pioneered the box-type take-off and landing drone light show, marking the beginning of drone formation performances. This stage was primarily characterized by a single light source, with drones using lights to create aerial graphics. The visual effects were relatively simple, and creative expression had certain limitations.

From 2018 to 2024, the industry entered the 2.0 era. Drones began to be equipped with a variety of external devices, such as cold fireworks and specific types of strobe lights. This development demonstrates that drone formation performances are no longer limited to light shows, but are gradually expanding into a diverse form of aerial art.

Starting in 2024, drone formation performances will enter the 3.0 era. The fully standardized mounting interface is compatible with a variety of devices, including eight-way fireworks, sky lanterns, and lantern drones, meeting the needs of all-encompassing, multi-dimensional performances and driving the industry towards more efficient and diverse development.

As a Shenzhen-based developer of outdoor formation performance drones, Gaoju Innovation leverages the region's comprehensive supply chain and talent resources to continuously strive for technological innovation and product breakthroughs in this field. Its representative products include the EMO 2.0 and the RIFF 3.0.

Since setting four Guinness World Records in 2021, the EMO formation drone has become a technological reference in the low-altitude performance field. This model is capable of mounting cold fireworks and strobe lights in flight, enhancing visual expression and stage effects. It has been used in drone performances at major international events such as the 2024 Paris Olympics, the 2025 World Expo, the 2023 Swiss Tourism Festival, and the UAE New Year's Eve.

As an innovative 3.0 model, the RIFF boasts an 800g payload capacity and supports CAN bus and API interfaces, facilitating user-defined payload development. Its modular quick-release structure enables rapid replacement of mounting devices, enhancing transport and storage convenience. This model integrates a 16-channel intelligent fireworks system, enabling the simultaneous launch of multiple types of fireworks. It also supports the intelligent integration of various mounting elements, including sky lanterns, strobe lights, and lantern drones, expanding the expressive possibilities of drone performances.

Outdoor drone formation performance technology is rapidly developing. Driven by cutting-edge development and policy support from technological innovation hubs like Shenzhen, the application scenarios of drone systems continue to expand, and technological integration continues to deepen. The future is expected to see even more innovative applications and visual feasts, further strengthening the influence of Chinese intelligent manufacturing on the global technological stage.