RPI Bicentennial Celebration: A Drone Show to Remember
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y., made history on Friday night with a spectacular drone show to mark its 200-year anniversary. The world-renowned institute wowed crowds with a display of 750 drones in the air, showcasing a mesmerizing performance while paying tribute to its rich past and looking towards the future.
The event was a monumental occasion for RPI, with President Martin Schmidt expressing his excitement for what lies ahead. “We feel like we’re gearing up for the next 200 years as we live through a quantum and AI Revolution,” said Schmidt. The Bicentennial Drone Show was a fitting celebration of the institute’s legacy and its commitment to innovation.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of the Drone Show
Despite a delay due to rain showers on Thursday, the drone show on Friday went off without a hitch, thanks to the hard work and dedication of nearly a dozen student volunteers. Students like Boya Wang, a sophomore in mechanical engineering, played a crucial role in ensuring that each drone was in top condition for the show. “Right now we’re just inspecting all the drones for any sort of defect that may hinder their ability to perform tonight. And if they pass the test, we slot a battery in them,” Wang explained.
Freshman Hayden Heroux, studying computer science, shared his experience of getting involved in the drone show through the school’s drone club. “I heard about this gig through the school’s drone club, which just recently merged with some of the other aerospace clubs, so they put out an advertisement there. There was a drone show coming to town. We’d love for you to help. I signed up through handshake, and now here I am working the show,” said Heroux. The collaboration between students from different disciplines highlighted the spirit of innovation and teamwork at RPI.
The Art of Drone Piloting
The drone show was no easy feat, requiring meticulous planning and coordination to bring it to life. Taylor Woodall, CEO of SKYWORX DRONE SHOWS, shared insights into the behind-the-scenes work that went into the event. “Today’s setup would be about 12 hours, but there’s also hundreds of design hours that go into this pilot coordination with our team, multiple meetings with the client. Hundreds of hours of lead time that show up for about a 15-minute show,” Woodall revealed. The precision and skill of the drone pilot were crucial in ensuring a flawless performance for the audience.
The culmination of all the planning and hard work paid off as the packed stadium enjoyed the drone show and a fireworks finale that lit up the night sky. The Bicentennial Celebration was a testament to RPI’s legacy of innovation and a glimpse into the bright future that lies ahead for the institute and its community.
As Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute enters its third century, the Bicentennial Drone Show will be remembered as a milestone event that captured the essence of the institute’s spirit and vision for the future.