What Controllers Do the Military Use? From Xbox to Ruggedized Solutions

The modern battlefield is increasingly reliant on technology, and that technology needs intuitive interfaces. So, what controllers do the military use? The answer is surprisingly diverse, ranging from off-the-shelf video game controllers like the Xbox 360 controller to specially designed ruggedized devices. The choice depends heavily on the application, balancing cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and durability in harsh environments. Let’s delve into the specifics.

Diversifying Control Schemes in Modern Warfare

Off-the-Shelf Controllers: A Cost-Effective Solution

For certain applications where precision isn’t paramount and cost is a significant factor, the military has adopted commercially available video game controllers. The Xbox 360 controller, for example, has seen widespread use. This isn’t just a matter of convenience; younger generations of soldiers are already familiar with these controllers, reducing the training time required to operate complex systems.

• Submarine Periscopes: The U.S. Navy famously uses Xbox 360 controllers on Virginia-class submarines to operate the photonic masts, which have replaced traditional periscopes. The previous joystick and control panel system cost around $38,000, while an Xbox 360 controller costs considerably less. This shift wasn’t just about saving money; sailors found the Xbox controller more intuitive and easier to use.
• Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Robots: The Army has been exploring the use of Xbox 360 controllers for over 15 years to control small unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) used in explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) missions. These robots allow soldiers to remotely disarm bombs and other hazardous devices, minimizing the risk to human life.

Ruggedized Controllers: Built for Tough Environments

While off-the-shelf controllers have their place, they aren’t suitable for all military applications. Many situations demand controllers that can withstand extreme temperatures, humidity, dust, and shocks. This is where ruggedized controllers come in.

• MilDef RC2100-series: MilDef has developed the RC2100-series of drone hand controllers, specifically designed for these challenging conditions. These controllers are built to withstand dust, water, and shocks, offering precise control over the drone’s movements and sensor payload even in the toughest environments. They offer more robust connectivity and greater control sophistication than typical gaming controllers.
• Custom Solutions: In addition to commercially available ruggedized controllers, the military also utilizes custom-designed control systems tailored to specific platforms and missions. These systems often integrate advanced features such as haptic feedback, augmented reality displays, and secure communication protocols.

Future Trends in Military Controllers

The future of military controllers is likely to see even greater integration of advanced technologies. As artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning become more prevalent, controllers will likely incorporate features that automate certain tasks and provide soldiers with real-time decision support. We can expect increased use of:

• Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): Immersive technologies will allow soldiers to control remote systems with greater precision and situational awareness.
• Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs): In the long term, BCIs may enable soldiers to control equipment directly with their thoughts, providing unparalleled speed and control.
• Haptic Feedback Systems: These systems will provide soldiers with a more intuitive and realistic sense of the remote environment, improving their ability to perform complex tasks.

The evolution of military controllers reflects the broader trend of increasing reliance on technology in modern warfare. As technology continues to advance, the controllers used by the military will undoubtedly become even more sophisticated and capable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the controllers used by the military, covering various aspects of their applications and functionalities:

1. Why does the military use video game controllers? Video game controllers are cost-effective, readily available, and familiar to many soldiers, reducing training time. They offer an intuitive interface for controlling certain types of military equipment, such as robots and periscopes.

2. What are photonic masts, and why are Xbox controllers used to control them? Photonic masts are digital devices that replace traditional periscopes in submarines. They use day/night cameras and video recorders. The Navy found that Xbox controllers offered a more intuitive and cost-effective way to control these masts compared to the existing $38,000 joystick system.

3. Are Xbox controllers considered military-grade? While not specifically designed as military-grade, Xbox controllers have proven suitable for certain military applications due to their durability and ease of use. However, they are not as rugged as purpose-built military controllers.

4. What are ruggedized controllers, and why are they necessary? Ruggedized controllers are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures, humidity, dust, and shocks. They are necessary for military applications where standard controllers would fail.

5. What is the MilDef RC2100-series of drone hand controllers? The MilDef RC2100-series is a line of drone hand controllers specifically designed for rugged environments. They provide precise control over drone movements and sensor payloads while withstanding dust, water, and shocks.

6. Does the military use DJI drones, and what controllers do they use? According to the article, DJI only makes products for civilian use; they are not designed for military applications.

7. How long can military submarines stay underwater? Military submarines can stay submerged for up to four months at a time, constantly patrolling and conducting classified missions.

8. What is the Games Learning Society, and how does gaming relate to military applications? The Games Learning Society, accessible at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, explores the intersection of games, learning, and society. The military’s use of video game controllers highlights how gaming technologies and skills can be applied in real-world scenarios, including military operations.

9. Do military personnel play video games as part of their training? Yes, many branches of the military have official service-sanctioned gaming programs. For some service members, playing video games is part of their job, helping them develop skills like teamwork, strategic thinking, and situational awareness.

10. What other types of controllers does NASA use besides Xbox and Wii controllers? NASA also experiments with touch screens to manipulate robots. They leverage video game technologies to develop cost-effective control systems.

11. Does the military use virtual reality (VR) in training or operations? Yes, the military uses VR for training simulations and potentially for controlling remote systems in the future.

12. What are some examples of custom-designed controllers used by the military? Custom-designed controllers are often tailored to specific platforms and missions. They may include features such as haptic feedback, augmented reality displays, and secure communication protocols.

13. How are advancements in AI and machine learning impacting military controllers? As AI and machine learning become more prevalent, military controllers will likely incorporate features that automate certain tasks and provide soldiers with real-time decision support.

14. Are there any ethical concerns associated with the military using video game controllers? Some ethical concerns revolve around the desensitization to violence that might arise from using gaming interfaces in military applications. There are also concerns about the potential for hacking and unauthorized access to sensitive military systems via commercially available controllers.

15. What is the future of military controllers? The future of military controllers is likely to see increased integration of advanced technologies such as VR/AR, brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), and haptic feedback systems. These technologies will provide soldiers with more intuitive and realistic control over remote systems.

Ultimately, the military’s approach to controllers is pragmatic, balancing cost, usability, and durability to ensure that soldiers have the tools they need to operate effectively in a wide range of challenging environments. The evolving landscape of technology ensures that this field will continue to innovate, adopting new interfaces and solutions as they become available.