The Military, Photonics, And … Video Game Controllers?

By John Oncea, Editor

Photonics technologies provide advantages such as precision, speed, and resilience to electromagnetic interference, which are critical in defense and warfare. How are game controllers adding to that?

Allow me to present an early candidate for understatement of the year: the military makes extensive use of photonics to enhance capabilities across many applications including communication, sensing, imaging, and weaponry.

Here’s a less obvious statement: while traditional video game controllers primarily rely on electronics, photonic technologies are increasingly integrated as gaming systems evolve toward more immersive experiences.

What do these two statements have to do with each other? We’ll get there but, first, let’s take a deeper dive into how photonics is used by both of these fields, starting with the military.

9 Ways The Military Uses Photonics

Photonics technologies are integral to modern military strategies, offering unmatched precision, stealth, and efficiency in numerous ways including communications systems. For instance, fiber-optic cables are used for secure, high-speed data transmission that is less susceptible to electromagnetic interference and eavesdropping.

Then there’s free-space optical communication (FSO), a laser-based system that enables long-range, line-of-sight data transmission without physical cables. Finally, consider quantum communication in which photonics supports secure quantum key distribution (QKD) for encrypted communication.

Next up, sensing and imaging which includes the use of LiDAR for mapping terrain, targeting, and navigation via detailed 3D imaging using laser light. Infrared sensors that detect heat signatures to enable visibility in low-light or obscured environments are used in night vision and thermal imaging, and hyperspectral imaging is employed to capture detailed spectral data to identify objects, materials, or camouflage.

Other ways the military uses photonics include:

• Directed Energy Weapons
  • Laser Weapons: High-energy laser systems are used to disable drones, missiles, or vehicles with precision and minimal collateral damage.
  • Microwave Weapons: Photonics-enabled systems generate high-frequency electromagnetic waves for non-lethal crowd control or to disrupt electronic systems.
• Targeting and Guidance
  • Laser Designators: These are used to mark targets for precision-guided munitions, ensuring accuracy.
  • Optical Sensors in Missiles and Drones: Photonics-based sensors improve targeting and navigation.
• Autonomous Systems
  • Robotics and Drones: Photonic technologies, such as LIDAR and optical cameras, are crucial for the navigation, situational awareness, and operation of autonomous systems.
  • Swarming Drones: Photonic communication networks enable coordination among drone swarms in real time.
• Countermeasures
  • Laser Countermeasures: Systems use lasers to disrupt or blind enemy sensors and guidance systems, such as infrared homing missiles.
  • Infrared Decoys: Photonics-based flares and other decoys mislead heat-seeking weapons.
• Advanced Displays
  • Heads-Up Displays (HUDs): Laser or OLED-based HUDs provide pilots and soldiers with critical information in real time.
  • Augmented Reality (AR) Systems: AR integrates photonic displays for enhanced situational awareness in the field.
• Research and Development
  • Quantum Photonics: Developing systems for quantum computing, quantum communication, and secure encryption.
  • Integrated Photonic Circuits: Compact, efficient photonic chips for advanced sensors and processors in military equipment.
• Surveillance and Reconnaissance
  • Satellite Systems: Photonics enables advanced imaging, sensing, and communication for satellites used in surveillance and navigation.
  • Covert Surveillance: Photonic sensors can detect signals or vibrations from a distance, enabling espionage or monitoring.

The Rise Of Photonics In The Gaming Industry

Photonics has not historically been used in video game controllers but that is changing, driven in part by the rise of online gaming which benefits from fiber optic networks that deliver high-bandwidth, low-latency connections, reducing lag and improving the overall gaming experience.

Game designers are using photonics-inspired algorithms to reproduce indirect lighting effects in virtual 3D environments, enhancing the visual quality and realism of games. Additionally, photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are being used to develop more advanced AR glasses. These PICs support miniaturized laser beam scanning technology, enabling higher-performing and more comfortable AR glasses for immersive gaming experiences.

Some game controllers, especially motion-based ones, use optical sensors to track movement. For example, PlayStation Move and VR controllers use light-tracking systems combined with cameras to determine the controller’s position and orientation while Nintendo Wii Remote uses an infrared (IR) camera to detect signals from the sensor bar.

Controllers may use IR photonics for communication or tracking, such as the Nintendo Joy-Cons which has an IR motion camera used in some games for object recognition or proximity sensing. Then there’s haptic feedback. While photonics doesn’t directly contribute to haptics, advancements in optical sensors have improved precision in detecting user input, which in turn enhances tactile feedback experiences.

A big advancement in using photonics in game controllers has been made with the introduction of augmented (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications. Controllers used in AR/VR setups (e.g., Meta Quest Touch Controllers) may employ photonic components for laser-based tracking or interaction with light-based environments.

By leveraging photonics technology, the gaming industry continues to push the boundaries of immersive experiences, graphics quality, and online performance, providing gamers with more engaging and responsive gameplay.

The Military’s Use Of Game Controllers

In 2017, GeekWire reported U.S. Navy officials got together and asked a bunch of J.O.s and junior guys, “What can we do to make your life better?” One of the things that came out was the controls for Virginia-class submarine periscopes were clunky

This led Navy officials to seek off-the-shelf alternatives, one of which was replacing the $38,000 periscope joysticks with a $30 Xbox controller. In addition to being dramatically cheaper, the Xbox controllers were familiar and intuitive to the crew members who grew up playing video games.

The U.S. military has increasingly embraced unconventional tools and technologies to enhance its capabilities and now, a little less than a decade after it turned to Xbox controllers, it is further embracing simple, ergonomic video-game-style controllers already familiar to millions of potential recruits reports Wired.

These devices, originally designed for entertainment, have found a surprising and effective role in modern military operations, where their familiarity, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability offer several advantages.

Ease Of Use, Cost Effective, And Adaptable

One of the primary reasons for using game controllers is their widespread familiarity among younger generations. Many soldiers entering the military today have grown up playing video games, making controllers like those from the Xbox or PlayStation intuitive to use.

This familiarity significantly reduces training time, as personnel can quickly adapt to systems that utilize these devices. In high-pressure situations, intuitive controls also can improve response times and reduce the likelihood of user error, which is crucial in combat or surveillance operations.

Traditional military hardware is often custom-designed and expensive to produce. Custom control systems for drones, robots, or other equipment can cost thousands of dollars per unit. By contrast, video game controllers are mass-produced, readily available, and cost only a fraction of traditional systems. For example, Xbox controllers have been integrated into the operation of some unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and the aforementioned submarine periscopes, replacing older, bulkier, and more costly interfaces. This shift saves taxpayer money and allows the military to allocate resources more effectively.

Game controllers are versatile and can be adapted for various military applications. They have been used to control drones, robotic bomb disposal units, and even advanced weapons systems. Their compatibility with different hardware and software platforms makes them an ideal choice for integration into military technology. For instance, controllers can be paired with VR or AR systems to simulate battlefield scenarios, train soldiers, or provide real-time operational support.

In some cases, the military has partnered with gaming companies or tech developers to create customized versions of controllers tailored to specific needs. These modifications often include rugged designs to withstand harsh environments or specialized inputs for unique operational requirements.

Using game controllers also can have psychological advantages. The familiar interface of a gaming controller can reduce stress and cognitive load during high-stakes missions. Additionally, it reflects a broader cultural shift within the military, embracing modern technologies that resonate with younger service members. This cultural alignment helps bridge the gap between civilian and military life, fostering innovation and attracting tech-savvy recruits.

Challenges And Considerations

While the integration of game controllers into the U.S. military’s arsenal offers many advantages, it is not without significant downsides. Chief among these are concerns about durability, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and the potential psychological and ethical implications of using gaming interfaces for military operations.

Game controllers are designed for recreational use, not the harsh environments often encountered in military operations. Extreme temperatures, moisture, dust, and physical shocks can quickly degrade their functionality. While some rugged versions have been developed, the standard controllers used in many applications may fail in critical situations, jeopardizing missions and lives.

Game controllers rely on software and hardware that can be susceptible to hacking or other forms of cyber interference. If not adequately secured, they could provide an entry point for adversaries to exploit military systems, potentially disrupting operations or gaining access to sensitive information. This risk becomes particularly acute when off-the-shelf components are used in critical systems.

The use of familiar gaming interfaces for lethal operations raises ethical questions. Critics argue that the transition from gaming to combat operations may desensitize operators to the gravity of their actions, making it easier to disassociate from the real-world consequences of deploying force. This blurring of lines between simulation and reality could have long-term psychological effects on operators and diminish accountability in life-and-death decisions.

The integration of video game controllers into the U.S. military arsenal exemplifies the innovative use of commercial technology in defense applications. By leveraging devices that are familiar, cost-effective, and adaptable, the military has enhanced its operational efficiency and technological edge. However, it must address the challenges of durability, security, and ethical considerations to ensure these tools are used responsibly and effectively in the complex landscape of modern warfare.