One-Handed Controller for Faster Drone Control and Gaming 

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Drone control and gaming are becoming faster and more accurate, thanks to a fully one-handed controller for drones and video games developed by Russian start-up Knuckles-5. 

The other free hand can now control the multi-axis camera or another payload.

The two traditional joysticks are replaced by two trackballs – one is moved by the index finger, while the other is moved by the thumb.

How does it work? Each trackball controls the drone along two axes of movement. Another two axes are controlled by a thumb-activated mini-joystick, while a further two are controlled by an IMU (inertial measurement unit) that detects the direction in which the controller is being tilted.

In total, the device gives control over eight axes of movement.

A small LCD screen on top of the device displays drone data such as battery charge level.

Four customizable pushbuttons and three switches – the two trackballs also double as buttons  – deliver additional functionality, according to uasvision.com.

Using GUI you can transform each button into a value of additional virtual axis. Or transform each axis into 2 buttons. 

The ergonomic design of the device provides more control with less movement, and it can be used for a long time without getting tired, according to the company’s website.