The prototype of the Balloon Cam was showcased in the Panasonic booth at Content Tokyo 2016, the 2nd Content Next – Advanced Content Technology Expo held at the Tokyo Big Sight from June 29 to July 1, 2016.

The Balloon Cam can be used for staging various sports and events. Panasonic will continue to conduct demonstration experiments to bring this camera to market and to bring to life solutions that can be used to push the boundaries of event production by combining this camera with other Panasonic products such as projectors.

As staging of sports and events become more sophisticated and demand among organizers for innovative entertainment solutions increases, Panasonic has been providing its high resolution imaging solutions using projectors and cameras that help amplify the excitement. And to further push the envelope of events staged using imaging solutions that meet customers’ exacting needs, Panasonic has now developed this prototype, which combines a drone with a large balloon.

Since the drone is completely housed in the balloon, it enhances safety. Moreover, by optimally controlling the thrust force of the propeller, this all-new drone system realizes both excellent stability and mobility, says Panasonic. The Balloon Cam can be equipped with a camera, LED, and projector, so it can also light up and display a wide range of information.

Powered by 4 propellers, the “drone” can fly around event venues in synch with the planned performance. Furthermore, as it uses the buoyancy of the large balloon and saves energy while in flight, it can be used for long durations of time. In order to provide new entertainment solutions and services, Panasonic will further study the shape of the body, develop control technologies catered specifically to the Balloon Cam, and accumulate relevant know-how.