Flyfire
I'm sure there are some non-commercial and useful applications of this but I just can't think of any right away. (Please just no helicopter drone-based ads for Celebrex covering over the few remaining stars I can still make out through Atlanta's ambient light.) Still, the attempt at bio-mimicry is is noteworthy if only because the natural phenomenon is so captivating.
Flyfire aims to transform any ordinary space into a highly immersive and interactive display environment.It sets out to explore the capabilities of this display system by using a large number of self-organizing micro helicopters. Each helicopter contains small LEDs and acts as a smart pixel. Through precisely controlled movements, the helicopters perform elaborate and synchronized motions and form an elastic display surface for any desired scenario.
I have to think that non-linear wind gusts might wreak absolute havoc on any attempt at tightly synchronized aviation/displays, though.
via BLDGBLOG
Image via MIT
