If ground-based robot combat is Battle Bots, then aerial combat is 'Drone Clash'. On Friday the 23rd, drones faced off at the COEX Smart Tech Show.

“Watch out. The match could end the moment of the collision.”

The participants took the stage accompanied by the host's commentary. It was a showdown between drone developers. Participant Park Ho-jun, wielding a lightsaber, entered with his LED-decorated drone, "Splendid Fox." His opponent, Hyung Myung-gil, appeared calmly holding his drone, "Striker." (See video below)

Park Ho-jun, who suffered a crushing defeat (?) in the match, issued a challenge saying, “I think I put too much effort into the design. Next time, I will build a combat-oriented aircraft and try again,” to which Hyun Myung-gil responded, “I will be waiting anytime.”

“It was a match made possible because it was a showcase that wouldn’t take place in an actual competition. In wrestling terms, it’s like a match between a 40kg and a 70kg opponent,” said Kim Jong-woo, CEO of Fuspo, the organizer of Drone Clash. While conventional drone battles use netting, the cage was constructed from plastic. This was done to prevent the aircraft’s wings from sticking to the walls or debris from flying toward the audience, and to enhance convenience by allowing spectators to watch from a close distance. CEO Kim stated, "Most of the participants in this showcase are people who have competed in drone racing competitions," adding, "We are planning a similar drone competition around August."

Should I try flying a drone too?


I visited the drone experience zone set up on one side. It is a drone experience where you can engage in theoretical education, practice, and even real-world application. After listening to about 10 minutes of theory, I grabbed the controller.

The motor rotates if you pull the left stick to the 4 o'clock direction and the right stick to the 8 o'clock direction simultaneously. When pulling down, do the opposite: left to the 8 o'clock direction and right to the 4 o'clock direction… .

I memorized it by heart, as if chanting a spell. Fortunately, the string in the center is still holding the drone. The square-shaped drone has blue and red lights on each side, so I set the head direction with the left stick and control its movement with the right stick. Contrary to my intentions, the drone tried to deviate from its path. It feels like even when a friend teaches you how to use a special move at the arcade, it only works once in a while by sheer luck. I glanced at the elderly couple next to me and asked the staff member.

Reporter: “Do the elderly do well too?”
Employee: “Of course.” The current drone usage age is 14, but I've noticed that even younger children are doing a good job.

Many people of all ages and genders participated in the drone experience event that lasted for three days. This reflects how it is said to be a "sturdy and easy-to-control entry-level drone." Finally, the real test began. There is no string to anchor the center. It flies straight and crashes. Before it can even take off, it drags its wings sideways and gets TKO'd. It feels like a victory just to fly without hitting my fingers, which feel like they are moving independently of my head. I can't even dream of a drone battle where you spot a target, rush in, and then plunge. Drones are all about filming! To realize the vision I had in mind, I will need more practice in an open space.