Robotics developers, startups, and resalers furiously shopping for new HID peripherals
That Logitech joystick model was a staple HID (Human Interface Device) and wireless peripheral for many robotics researchers and corporations. Pairing and range was better than any 2010's Bluetooth, and more compatible than OEM or hobby grade RF controllers. So many ROS projects used those. If both Xbox and PS DualShock controllers get cought amidst similar public ridicule, then we'll have nothing left! 🎮🙃
That wasn't the dumb part of that submersible. Game controllers are actually really good at what they do. The dumb part is that it was built like an airplane.
Honestly, I wasn't aware it was wireless. I wonder if there was a backup system. There has to have been a normal computer interface, at least, so you could check gauges and so on.
Although, if it randomly collapses on you at the speed of sound control is a moot point.
Built like an airplane out of materials that were past their shelf life even for airplanes:
Only one thing concerned me: He said he had gotten the carbon fiber used to make the Titan at a big discount from Boeing because it was past its shelf-life for use in airplanes.
I asked him if that weren't a problem. He replied that those dates were set far before they had to be, and that Boeing and even NASA had participated in the design and testing of the Titan.
It is a conversation I have thought about a great deal over the past week.
and that Boeing and even NASA had participated in the design and testing of the Titan.
They keep repeating that, and I was wondering WTF that means. Neither of those people have a mandate or any experience with submersibles (at least, I think, maybe there's a weird Boeing spinoff). They could contribute just to the basic structural considerations, but they'd need to take resources away from their actual jobs for that so they wouldn't.