SINCE Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, illumination has become an indispensable part of modern life. Lighting displays, serving as a symbol of a city’s prosperity and vitality, have now taken a new form in this technological era: drone light shows. These spectacles no longer occur solely during important holidays but are being hosted year-round in cities around the globe. At the forefront of this growing phenomenon is Shenzhen Damoda Intelligent Control Technology Co., a trailblazer in drone performances that have redefined urban spectacles. Liu Hanbin, the company’s founder, ventured into the drone industry nine years ago, never anticipating that his team would carve a niche in the burgeoning low-altitude economy. Today, their products and services reach over 50 countries and regions worldwide. From cultural tourism venues and gala performances to brand advertising, Damoda has expanded its capabilities. The company has scaled its performing fleet from 80 to over 10,000 drones, while their performances have evolved from simple planar flashing patterns to intricate three-dimensional animations. Through continuous technological innovation, they are opening new avenues for drone applications. Unlocking a new business frontier In a groundbreaking feat that has captured global attention, Damoda has pushed the boundaries of drone technology, setting two Guinness World Records with a mesmerizing aerial display over Shenzhen Bay Park on Sept. 26, 2024. This event showcased the most drones flying simultaneously under a single computer’s control and the most drones forming aerial patterns. On that day, the skies above Shenzhen became a canvas for an unprecedented 10,197 drones, which formed various words and patterns representative of the city. While such cutting-edge drone technology is often associated with the creative energy of youth, the mastermind behind this performance, Damoda’s chairman Liu Hanbin, is in his 60s. “I may be older, but my mindset is young,” Liu joked during an interview at his office in Shenzhen’s Longhua District. His background in learning, work, and personal growth has prepared him well for entrepreneurship. Over a decade ago, with the development of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) gyroscopes and open-source flight control systems, consumer drones began to emerge, with brands like DJI entering the mainstream. This excited Liu. “After graduating in 1988, I worked at a research institute where I received training in aerodynamics. I’ve always been fascinated by aircraft,” he said. In the 1990s, he moved to Shenzhen, where he gained expertise in data communication. On the cusp of the consumer drone boom, he felt the time was ripe to start his own venture. After a year of intensive study and collaboration with aviation enthusiasts in his hometown of Hubei, Liu felt he had completed the necessary knowledge for drone entrepreneurship. In 2016, he co-founded the company with alumni from Huazhong University of Science and Technology and researchers from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics. “Initially, we focused on drone flight control systems, but a chance opportunity led us to drone swarm performances,” Liu recalled. In late 2015, Intel staged a 100-drone performance in Hamburg, Germany. When the video reached China, a TV director, already aware of Liu’s growing reputation, approached his team with a challenge — could they replicate a similar show for the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Long March by the Chinese Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army in June 2016? “We only had 25 days,” Liu said. Working around the clock, the team divided tasks, developed technology, and conducted test flights. At that time, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics’ technology allowed one computer to control five drones via radio communication. Scaling up to 100 drones required addressing interference issues — a challenge Liu tackled head-on. Qin Haiqun, now Damoda’s deputy general manager, was then a first-year graduate student. “Conditions were rudimentary. We manually tied LED strips to drones and measured distances between them by hand,” Qin recalled. Outdoor testing in scorching heat even led to instances of heatstroke among team members. However, their efforts paid off. On June 25, 2016, 80 drones took flight, forming 80 glowing stars in the night sky in a performance titled “Red Stars Over China.” “After the show, we jumped and cheered. We proved we could achieve what foreign companies had done,” Qin said. This milestone fortified Liu’s belief that only through innovation could they unlock greater possibilities. Expanding the market Breaking new ground was challenging, but scaling up proved equally difficult. Standardizing drone performances was Damoda’s first major hurdle. “Early technology was limited, so we relied heavily on manual labor,” Qin said. “For 100 drones, we needed six to eight operators as backups, running alongside the drones with remote controls.” When they commenced regular performances at Zhuhai’s Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in 2017, engineers activated each drone manually in a manner likened to “farmers planting rice seedlings.” Damoda researchers posed critical questions to themselves. How could they reduce manual effort? How could fewer operators control more drones? Could they consolidate control to a single computer? How could they enhance mid-air stability? Through relentless research and development (R&D), trial and error, and ongoing upgrades, Damoda launched its third-generation “automated drone performance system” in 2022. Drones could now take off directly from containers, significantly boosting automation and precision. “Now, our drones automatically power up, run self-checks, simulate 3D scenes, and return to their containers after flights — all with millimeter-level accuracy,” Qin said. This system reduced performance space by 80%, labor costs by 50%, and improved efficiency sixfold. Larger fleets necessitated more robust backend systems. To minimize signal interference, Damoda developed its own localized network, allowing each wireless node to manage around 200 drones. The applications of drone shows have expanded, from tourist sites to weddings and corporate events. Damoda now operates in over 50 cities in China, collaborates with more than 100 cultural sites and theme parks, holds over 100 patents, and exceeds 100 million yuan (US$$14.29 million) in annual revenue, earning recognition as a national “little giant” company. Going global In 2019, Damoda made its international debut with a performance over India’s Ganges River for a Bollywood premiere. At the 2021 Dubai Expo, it staged months of performances. Initially, high costs limited overseas expansion. However, with upgraded systems, the company pursued aggressive international growth in 2022, according to He Zhenchuan, head of overseas markets. “Our first client was a South Korean firm, and they learned the technology through remote training in just a week,” said He. “Now, global clients often reach out after seeing our videos.” Damoda’s products currently service over 50 countries and regions, including Japan, Mexico, Brazil, and the United Arab Emirates. In under a decade, Damoda has progressed from manually operating 80 drones to automating more than 10,000. “Quantity isn’t the challenge anymore,” Qin said. “Now, we prioritize creativity — making performances more stunning and meaningful.” Overcoming challenges As drone shows have become more commonplace, prices have fallen, some audiences have experienced fatigue, and safety incidents have occasionally emerged. Yet, Damoda remains committed to innovation. Recent performances have featured seamless animations of ping-pong matches and martial arts. “Drones can form a three-layered grid in the sky, creating a cinematic experience,” Liu said. “We blend technology with art, crafting new cultural symbols,” said Peng Ling, head of artistic design. Liu envisions drones as more than just light shows — they could evolve into aerial media. “Fireworks create ambiance, but drones deliver precise messages,” said Yang Jincai of the Shenzhen UAV Industry Association. “Their eco-friendly, high-tech appeal makes them ideal for modern communication.” “Drone fleets may become urban infrastructure akin to streetlights or billboards,” Qin added. “Press a button, and they perform.” Safety remains a paramount concern. Damoda has intensified R&D efforts, releasing comprehensive safety guidelines and developing parachute systems that deploy at altitudes of 30 to 60 meters to prevent crashes. Following their performance during this year’s Spring Festival in Chongqing, overseas orders surged. “Last year’s exports rose by over 30% compared to the previous year, and growth remains strong,” Qin shared. “A few minutes in the sky takes years of groundwork,” Liu reflected. “The industry is advancing toward safety, automation, intelligence, and connectivity. Solid technology fuels imagination — we’ll continue innovating to drive the sector forward.”(Liu Minxia) | 