The US military is operating weapons and equipment with custom game controllers

The US military uses game controllers to operate advanced equipment.

: The US military has been using game controller-inspired designs for operating various weapons and equipment. From the RADBO system to drones, these devices offer intuitive controls reminiscent of gaming consoles. This trend leverages decades of ergonomic development from console makers and suits the familiarity of younger generations.

The US military has begun integrating game controller-inspired designs to operate advanced weaponry and equipment such as demining lasers and guided munitions. The RADBO system, for instance, employs a laser and is operated using the Freedom of Movement Control Unit (FMCU), a control device that resembles Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo controllers.

This approach is not exclusive to the United States, as similar equipment has been seen in Ukraine, where the Steam Deck is used to operate drones and turrets amid their ongoing conflict with Russia. The widespread familiarity with game controllers among younger generations and the ergonomic refinement developed by gaming companies make these designs a natural fit for military applications.

Ultra Electronics Measurement Systems Inc., a contractor, offers the FMCU in multiple configurations, each tailored with different button arrangements for specific purposes like controlling payloads and guided munitions, showcasing its versatility and practical advantages in challenging scenarios.

Game controllersDefense technologyMilitary