Could This Band of Flying Drones Be the Next YouTube Sensation? KMel Robotics has programmed drones to play musical instruments. Check out their first music video.
By Laura Entis
Opinions expressed by BIZ Experiences contributors are their own.
Drones are flying high at the moment. Everyone seems to want a piece, be it to snap an epic selfie, deliver some beer, or bring low cost internet to the entire global population.
The next frontier? YouTube stars.
KMel Robotics, a startup founded by two University of Pennsylvania graduates, has assembled a band of programmed hexrotor drones "to play some fresh songs."
Related: This Contraption Transforms Houseplants Into Musical Instruments
While the songs themselves aren't new – the flying robotic band plays "Thus Spake Zarathustra" (i.e. the 2001: A Space Odyssey song), "Carol of the Bells" and "The Star-Spangled Banner" – the approach definitely is.
"The hexrotors create music in ways never seen before, like playing a custom single string guitar hooked up to an electric guitar amp," the company said. "Drums are hit using a deconstructed piano action. And there are bells. Lots of bells."
The all-drone band is going on tour, putting on live shows at the USA Science & Engineering Festival on April 26-27 in Washington.
Check out their performance below.
