July 22,
2008: The video game controller,
developed by American and Japanese engineers to make their video games easier
to play, has long been copied for controllers for UAVs and robots used by the
infantry. Now a defense manufacturer (Raytheon) has developed one for operating
larger UAVs, like the Predator.
For
several years now, the controllers used to operate micro-UAVs like Raven, often looked like
video game controllers, with a small video screen built in. This approach
deliberately copied the "look and feel", not to mention functionality, of video
game software and controller layout. This approach worked, and it cut training
time a lot. Before this, UAV controllers were using PC software (on a laptop) that
depended a lot on a keyboard and mouse. This was not the sort of thing video
gamers were used to. Indeed, keyboard and mouse were a pretty lame interface
for something as hectic as running a UAV. The keyboard and mouse angle came
from the engineers who developed the controller software. Yeah, OK, for
developing software, but not for actually operating the UAV under combat
conditions.
The
generals and procurement brass could appreciate this approach, and began to
keep a close watch on developments in video game interface hardware and
software. After all, these older guys were often video game users. It's still
common to forget that largest segment of the video games market is adults. And
the generals of today, grew up with the first primitive video game consoles and
controllers. Some stuck with it, especially as more realistic, and adult, games
arrived over the past decade. Naturally, few generals are going to admit that
they unwind with a few hours of Halo or Grand Theft Auto (especially the
latter). But some do, as can often be seen when they show a remarkably detailed
knowledge of how game controllers work. Video game use is more openly indulged
in by lower ranking officers, and especially combat troops (who find it a good
way to deal with combat stress, and psychologists have created a minor industry
studying this phenomenon.)
These
tech-adept generals also keep up on other developments, like Google Earth, and
the compelling, and easy to comprehend, way the software enables you to find
and zoom in on a place. Some of the Google Earth eye candy is also showing up
in robot and UAV controllers. Naturally, the defense contractors would rather
get millions to reinvent the game controller (and do a bad job of it.) That is
not happening, because the generals know their video games, and know what they
want. Much cheaper, and effective, to simply borrow from the highly competitive
video games industry.