Qatar to Build Robotic Clouds to Cool World Cup Stadiums

Imagine playing an exhausting 90-minute soccer game on a hot field in Qatar, where summertime temperatures often reach 106 or more. Wouldn't you give anything for at least 10 degrees of relief?

Enter the UAV cloud. Qatar University researchers are developing a unmanned aerial vehicle whose sole purpose is to provide shade to the players and fans below. The goal is to cool stadiums during the 2022 World Cup. But these artificial clouds might also serve as aerial communication and security hubs. 

The clouds will be constructed of carbon fiber and solar panels and filled with helium. Although the prototype, set to be completed later this year, will only be 4 by 3 meters, the final clouds will be about the size of a large jet. The researchers say the devices could cool soccer stadiums by 10 degrees or more.