"Game Controllers on the Battlefield: The Future is Familiar"
Friday, October 4, 2024
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Ever played a video game? Now imagine using a controller like that to direct some of the world’s most advanced weapons. That’s what’s happening in the US military today. Over the past few years, gaming-like controllers have been popping up all over the place – from Navy ships to Army vehicles and even on Humvees with lasers! These aren’t your average game controllers, though. They’re made by a company called Measurement Systems Inc., which specializes in ruggedized controls for tough environments. One of their best-known products is the Freedom of Movement Control Unit (FMCU), which looks like an Xbox or PlayStation controller but is built to withstand the rigors of battle. This isn’t just a gimmick; it's about making modern warfare tools accessible and familiar to today’s soldiers, who grew up gaming.
The FMCU has been used on various advanced systems like the Navy Marine Corps Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) launcher, the Army’s Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense system, the Air Force's RADBO truck, and the Marine Corps' HELEX laser weapon. These are all part of preparing for potential conflicts with countries like China and Russia. But it’s not just about new weapons; these controllers have also been used on experimental unmanned vehicles and will be part of future Navy sensor systems to track threats.
While this technology isn’t brand new – it’s been around since 2010 – its recent spread shows how the military is embracing familiar, tactile controls. This isn't just about making things easier for soldiers; it's also about preparing them with tools they already know how to use.
