The recent disappearance of a small submersible Titan on its way to explore the wreckage of the Titanic has raised questions about its suitability and the control technology used in it. The submarine was operated using a modified Logitech G F710 Wireless Gamepad, which costs around $40, drawing disbelief and amusement from many people who have criticized the use of this gaming controller in a serious application.
It is interesting to note that off-the-shelf or slightly modified video game controllers are increasingly being used in serious military applications, such as tanks and submarines. For example, the U.S. Navy has adopted Xbox controllers instead of bulky flight sticks to control periscopes and photonic masts. Similarly, bomb disposal robots in the U.S. army have been maneuvered using Xbox controllers, and even the British military has developed a driverless all-terrain vehicle controlled by an Xbox controller.
This shift towards gaming controllers in military and vehicle design is driven by their superior control capabilities, intuitiveness, and familiarity among younger recruits. Even non-gamers can easily adapt to their design. For instance, the U.S. Army’s M-SHORAD combat vehicle features a beige controller resembling a Nintendo 64 gamepad.
While the disappearance of the Titan remains unknown, the Logitech controller’s role in the incident is unlikely. Numerous other factors can jeopardize an underwater journey, such as hull breaches, fuel loss, or oxygen container leaks.
Despite this incident, the use of gaming controllers in submarines and other military applications is likely to continue, given their cost-effectiveness and wide appeal among younger recruits. The Logitech controller in this case might have raised eyebrows, but this technology has already proved itself in various other military contexts.
