The next time you boot up your Xbox, take heart in knowing that the same technology that lets you teabag your opponent’s in Call of Duty is the technology that lets the U.S. army fire lasers at their enemies.
Yes… you heard me. Lasers.
The U.S. Army is working with Boeing’s defense and security division on something called a “directed energy weapon.” Named the High Energy Laser Mobile Demonstrator, the device is used to shoot down missiles and unmanned energy aircraft by using a high powered laser beam.
So why an Xbox 360 controller? Simple. Controllers are designed to be able to be used instinctively. They fit in the palm of your hand and have controls rested where your fingers and thumbs naturally fall. That’s why video game players are so easily able to get used to a variety of control schemes. It allows one soldier to control the whole system with a laptop and a controller and nothing else.
To learn more about the system, check out this video.
Source: Boeing