By Rose Morrison, managing editor of Renovated and The Landscape Guide.
The worlds of gaming and industrial automation are more closely related than you might think. The loop of intuitive control and instant feedback applies to both the philosophy of gaming interface design and the modern workforce. Here’s a guide to the present and future of work automation technology based on gaming psychology.
Remote Control Systems You Can Use at Work
Industries across the board have implemented sophisticated controllers to handle physically demanding tasks. Now, workers can rely on hardware and demonstrate their operational skills rather than physical endurance. Here are five examples of the gamification of technical systems and the psychological principles they adapt for the workplace.
1. Haptic Feedback Controllers in Construction
Haptic controllers have become integral to construction professionals, providing realistic feedback. You get real-time feedback when performing precision-intensive tasks, such as angled drilling or bricklaying. Excavators are an excellent example because they have sensors to measure pressure and torque.
Excavators borrow from gaming psychology because their controllers resemble racing simulators. Experts say you can maneuver them in small spaces, which resembles Mini Micro Racing or Pocket Races. Players could also compare these remote control systems to fishing games, considering tension builds in the controller triggers.
Psychological principles:
- Embodied cognition: The mind understands the world through physical sensations and movements.
- Sensory feedback loop: An action provides sensory information that guides the next action.
2. Drones in Warehouse Operations
Warehouse employees operate robots when picking items for an order. Today, workers can do the job from a comfortable workstation. Operating autonomous aircraft now feels like playing video games or using other high-quality drones, like the Drone X Pro.
When fulfilling orders, you flick a joystick to move the aircraft from its docking station to the high shelves. The minimap tells you where the next target is, while the objective marker guides you to the next bin. The gamification of technical systems involves rebuilding the work experience around psychological hooks.
Psychological principles:
- Spatial presence and wayfinding: On-screen aids, such as maps, create an immersive sense of being in the remote environment.
- Mastery orientation: The personal satisfaction of achievement creates a motivational drive to become highly skilled and competent at a task.
3. Autonomous Lawn Mowers
Traditionally, mowing grass on a large commercial property is challenging, especially amid the elements and constant vibrations. However, times have changed to favor remote-controlled systems and autonomous mowers. Experts say these machines can clean up to three acres per hour, depending on conditions.
Autonomous lawnmowers connect to psychological drivers of your favorite video games. You’re a fleet manager who gets to control different systems and manage resources as if you’re in popular simulators, like The Sims or Minecraft. In real life and video games, you get to see the revenue of each asset and its utilization rate.
Psychological principles:
- God game appeal: Controlling and managing a complex system or environment from an all-seeing perspective boosts enjoyment.
- Visual progress feedback: Graphical indicators show a user how much they’ve accomplished and how close they are to completing a goal.
4. Skill Trees for Surgical Robots
Robots can do more than generate music for your streams and perform industrial work. These machines are increasingly used in surgery. They are taught specific functions, such as picking up rings and placing them on cones. The goal is to build the system’s basic memory and hand-eye coordination.
Every time the robot learns a new ability, it’s building a skill tree. You’re helping a robot boost its skills and be more effective in the workplace. This work automation technology is similar to video games because it implements mastery and competence.
Psychological principles:
- Progressive disclosure: Advanced features or complex information are revealed slowly to avoid overwhelming the user.
- Investment and commitment loop: Users become more dedicated to a task or system the more time and effort they invest.
5. Resource Management in Remote Mining
Mine operators used to work in hazardous and loud environments. Modern technology provides remote control systems that you can use from hundreds of miles away. You use joysticks, dials and a control panel to make micro-adjustments on the drilling rate.
Remote mining emphasizes principles similar to those in Minecraft mods, where resource management is essential. It also resembles complex strategy games like Civilization because you’re managing a complex system. You’re also participating in simulations and making strategic decisions.
Psychological principles:
- Cognitive load management: The interface presents information in a way that minimizes mental effort and simplifies system operation.
- Macro and micro management: A user simultaneously manages both the high-level, long-term tasks and the immediate, detailed tasks of a complex operation.
Comparing Gaming and Industrial Remote Control Interfaces
The latest remote controls look like they could be used in high-end gaming setups. Their shared DNA stems from ergonomic comfort and reducing cognitive load. However, there are key differences between virtual entertainment and the high stakes of physical labor.
| Environment | Primary Goal | Controller Ergonomics | Key Inputs | Feedback | Internal User Interface |
| Gaming | Entertainment and immersion | Designed for long sessions | Analog joysticks and pressure-sensitive triggers | Rumble and vibrations for immersive effects | Minimal to no interface |
| Industrial | Precision and efficiency | Heavy and robust | Heavy-duty toggle switches and guarded buttons | Haptic feedback controllers for real-world information | Built-in LCD or OLED screen with vital telemetry |
Future Developments in Remote Control Systems
Remote systems have become integral in workplaces worldwide. For example, construction professionals use smart sensors for retrofitting old homes and office buildings. Here are additional ways gaming principles will likely be integrated in the future:
- Virtual or augmented reality cockpits, immersing users in aviation settings
- AI-powered co-pilots offering suggestions as a sidekick
- Digital twin simulators replicating real-world sites
- Biometrically aware interfaces tracking focus and fatigue
- Procedurally generated challenges to sharpen skills in unique scenarios
Blurring Work and Play
Skilled labor has fundamentally shifted, making jobsite operations similar to living room controllers. Demanding jobs are now leveraging engaging video game controllers, such as instant feedback and skill mastery. Remote control systems are at the heart of this change, with operators using them in numerous settings.
About Rose Morrison
Rose Morrison is a tech enthusiast with over 10 years of experience bridging the gap between digital innovation and environmental design, currently serving as the managing editor of Renovated, where she analyzes cutting-edge smart home technologies and sustainable building solutions. Rose also runs a passion project over at The Landscape Guide.