Smart Joystick
From: AFRL Technology Horizons - 02/2006 - page 17
By: Meghan Musgrave

AFRL engineers have developed a technology for fighter pilots that is now
helping people with disabilities. The new technology takes the shape of a
force reflection stick controller, or "Smart Stick." Strong inertial forces
present during periods of high acceleration cause pilots to experience
difficulty in tracking with a joystick. Based on a model of pilot dynamics
and known vehicle accelerations, researchers were able to demonstrate that
the Smart Stick produces a canceling force that opposes inertial forces.
Centrifuge testing indicates that pilots using the force-reflecting Smart
Stick experience smoother tracking and produce better response results.
Scientists subsequently applied this technology to wheelchairs to help people
overcome similar difficulties in controlling their chair motions. This same
concept can also help in controlling vehicles that are subject to high
vibrations, including boats and industrial vehicles such as tractors and
forklifts. Another important feature of the Smart Stick technology is its
capacity to accommodate individual users and unique environmental situations. 

From:
http://www.afrlhorizons.com/didyouknow.html