Images of dismantled game controllers in the hands of United States military personnel and others in conflict zones have been circulating around the world for years. However, photos on the United States Department of Defense's website show that the military has gradually turned to original designs for various uses, drawing obvious inspiration from consoles.
Imagine using an Xbox gamepad-like control to operate a laser mounted on a truck to detonate mines and other unexploded ordnance. Photos from the United States military show that the United States Department of Defense has been preparing such systems for some time, and this is not the only example of the use of video game-derived devices.
The Air Base Rejection of Ammunition (RADBO) system uses an eight-kilowatt laser mounted on an 18-ton vehicle to eliminate ammunition, and the system employs one of several variants of the Free Movement Control Unit (FMCU). While the FMCU features a unique array of face buttons, its two levers, steering wheel, and side grips are very similar to the standard controllers of Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo.
Photographs of field workers using the Xbox keyboard to control drones and other equipment date back to at least the early 2000s. For example, the United States Navy's USS Colorado attack submarine uses an Xbox 360 controller to control its photon mast, a high-tech periscope.
Recently, Ukraine forces were photographed operating drones and automatic turrets using Valve's Steam Deck handheld gaming PC while the country's conflict with Russia continues. The included screen and full Linux operating system may make it ideal for remote control of a wide range of devices. The ill-fated Titan submersible was also controversial for its control with an off-the-shelf Logitech gamepad.
The reasons behind this trend are obvious. Console manufacturers have spent decades perfecting ergonomic methods to control machines with both hands. In addition, the ubiquitous game has familiarized the younger generation with these designs, making them a natural fit for military and other professional applications.
承包商 Ultra Electronics Measurement Systems Inc. 的手册展示了多个版本的 FMCU，每个版本都根据特定功能定制了截然不同的按钮排列。 独特的功能包括内置屏幕、背光按钮、触发器、拨杆和旋钮。
The company advertises that the device is versatile and can be used to control payloads, turrets, guided munitions, video cameras, robots, and other weapon systems. Another variant has been photographed connected to the missile defense system, and the fire control system of the United Kingdom Challenger 2 tank has a similar handle-style design.