Intel Wraps Winter Olympics With 300-Drone Aerial Light Show
Intel concludes the 2018 Winter Olympics with a 300-drone light show featuring the event's mascot, following a record-breaking but pre-recorded opening ceremony.
Intel closes out the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang with a spectacular aerial light show featuring a swarm of 300 Shooting Star drones. The performance entertains the crowd with animated shapes, including the Olympic mascot Soohorang the white tiger, which later transforms into a heart to honor the competing athletes. This live display serves as a fitting conclusion to the games after the opening ceremony's record-breaking 1,200-drone performance requires a pre-recorded broadcast due to severe weather.
The Intel Shooting Star drones are purpose-built for entertainment, utilizing lightweight materials and colorful LED lights. Before taking flight in South Korea, the Intel team tests the fleet in the Alps to ensure the machines withstand freezing temperatures around negative 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. These Olympic displays represent the culmination of smaller, previous demonstrations throughout the year, such as the show at CES 2018.
Natalie Cheung, General Manager of the Intel Drone Light Show team, expresses immense pride in successfully bringing these aerial animations to life during the closing ceremony. She compares the team's challenging spirit to that of the Soohorang mascot, highlighting their passion for pushing technological limits. Despite the weather-related hurdles faced during the opening event, Intel considers the live closing performance a major victory for the brand.