The automated drones, which cost US$20m, will capture aerial footage of the races
Riedel Communications has placed a US$20m (£15.2m) order for Skybot-cam drones from Skyroads, for use on SailGP.
The Skybot-cam system combines drones and gyro-stabilised camera systems with live video, audio and data downlinks. They will replace helicopters for covering SailGP’s events, capturing broadcast imagery from the sky. The technology will be used with SailGP’s Augmented Reality LiveLineFX graphics and data overlays.
SailGP will be the first global event to use the new technology. It will facilitate and support the test operation of the system, with the view to implementing it at SailGP events from 2024. The Skybot-cam system will be exclusively used first for SailGP in 2024, then made available by Riedel for other events after that.
Achim Kostron, CCO, Skyroads, said: “Our Skybot-cam system is an excellent way to implement early applications of our later aviation-type, certified self-flying-system.”
Warren Jones, director of technology at SailGP, added: “Today’s professional airborne broadcast camera systems are mainly helicopter-based and require enormous organisational, technical, and budgetary effort for a photographic platform that, although creating high quality pictures, is unsustainable in the long run.
“SailGP Technologies stands for innovation in sustainable sports under the slogan ‘Better Sport – Better Future’ and it is partnerships with forward thinking companies like Riedel and Skyroads that allow us to achieve this.”
Riedel Group CEO and Founder Thomas Riedel, said: “I’m delighted we are joining forces with Skyroads and SailGP Technologies to take sustainability and safety to a new level, and provide even more spectacular images from the pinnacle of sail racing.
“This strategic partnership reflects our commitment and vision to enhance innovation in order to create future-oriented formats, focusing both on environmental and safety aspects at the same time.”
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