Army using Xbox 360 controllers for SUGVs

Posted by Joshua Karp on Jun 7, 2007 2:10 pm 11 comments

Filed in News, Xbox 360

Here’s a creative use of gaming technology. The U.S. Army appears to be utilizing Xbox 360 controllers to pilot their Small Unmanned Ground Vehicles (SUGVs). SUGVs are miniature vehicles, many of which are equipped with cameras that allow troops to explore areas that are either too dangerous, or too inaccessible for human soldiers to access. This seems like a pretty brilliant move, given the 20-something age of most infantry members, and the concurrent familiarity with gaming technology that is so prevalent within that demographic. There’s no official word from the Army on this, but it’s no stretch to imagine a Microsoft gaming division contract buried somewhere inside of our massive defense budget.

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11 comment(s) for this post.

On Jun 7, 2007 @ 2:33 pm, Brian D. Said:

i wonder if Bill Gates will get his lawyers on this one. Make the government pay a fee for using their products for things that is not related to the 360.

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On Jun 7, 2007 @ 3:10 pm, eJay Said:

Yea Bill Gates would do that, if he wanted to get thrown in to a black van in the middle of the night never to be heard from again..

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On Jun 7, 2007 @ 3:17 pm, green Said:

Nice catch Brian, he would do it if any other country would use it against.

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On Jun 7, 2007 @ 3:18 pm, georgeZ Said:

The richest man in america is going to get thrown into a van never to be heard from again? Right.

That is a brilliant move, simplify a complicated piece of equipment with a 360 controller so that anyone can operate it. That is why we have the best military in the world.

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On Jun 7, 2007 @ 3:39 pm, Eddie Dollaz Said:

Not very tactical. I spent 5 yrs in the Marines and if we improvised some kind of civilian gear to use in the field, you best believe it was spray painted in olive drab and flat back. Might as well put a flourecent bullseye on his shoulder. As for practicality though, I bet that controller works wonders in controlling the SUGV’s or UAV’s. Just pretend like you’re playing Call of Duty!! lol

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On Jun 7, 2007 @ 4:18 pm, GD Said:

Bill Gates is the richest guy in the world, not just america

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On Jun 7, 2007 @ 6:13 pm, victor Said:

Wow and here I am trying to make sence of a game system to buy. I am so exited I am getting one, finally.

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On Jun 7, 2007 @ 6:25 pm, Tyrone D. Said:

That is cool man, hands down. With that controller, it’s like playing a real life game…but there are no reset buttons.

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On Jun 7, 2007 @ 9:14 pm, victor Said:

So hey does anyone have an opinion between the wii and the 360?

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On Jun 8, 2007 @ 10:53 am, eJay Said:

I had the Wii and it was fun but the graphics on the Xbox 360 I bought when I bought the Wii back MURDERED the poor little Wii. Fun system though…

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On Jun 8, 2007 @ 12:34 pm, Betty Said:

Wii and 360 = apples to oranges. You must have both.

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