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The Steam Deck Is Now Being Used To Control Mars Rovers
(steamdeckhq.com)
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this post was submitted on 25 Aug 2026
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Steam Hardware
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It's a fully functional pc that can run any software you need, with built in controls that are ergonomic and familiar to almost any potential user. It's basically perfect for controlling things. Saw a guy on YouTube using it to control industrial robots or something since you can use the back grips as a dead-mans switch.
I think capacitor sensors might make better dead-man switches here, especially with chords (requiring both being active at the same time), as holding the grip buttons feels kinda tiring quickly and awkward to my hands.
But it's still so cool.
Capacitive buttons can get pressed by drops of water, so I personally think the physical buttons are better for a safety system.
It probably depends on what the robot is, but it might not be something you need to hold down for very long, just at the same time as a joystick movement.
Yeah, good point, hadn't thought of that.