Oh, the places you’ll game: Aerospace engineers use Steam Deck to steer Mars rover prototype
Airbus has revealed an unconventional approach to controlling its ExoMars rover prototype: a modified Steam Deck. The handheld gaming PC serves as the remote control interface for the Mars rover, demonstrating how consumer gaming hardware can be repurposed for professional aerospace applications.
The rover was demonstrated by Airbus to documentarian Tom Scott, who was given the opportunity to operate it himself. The Steam Deck controls the rover’s movement, with button presses—specifically bumper buttons—used to steer the wheels and navigate the prototype. While the exact model isn’t confirmed, the controller appears to be a standard Steam Deck variant.
This unconventional choice highlights a pragmatic approach to solving engineering challenges. Rather than developing an entirely custom control interface from scratch, Airbus leveraged existing consumer technology that already provides an intuitive, ergonomic physical interface with proven controls. The Steam Deck’s touchpad, buttons, and overall design proved suitable for directing a rover destined for Mars exploration.
The demonstration suggests the aerospace industry is increasingly willing to adopt consumer electronics for professional applications, provided they meet operational requirements. The Steam Deck’s proven durability and customizable control schemes made it a practical solution for this specialized application.
This approach underscores how gaming hardware continues to break beyond traditional entertainment boundaries, finding unexpected applications in cutting-edge aerospace and robotics engineering.