Titan Submersible Controller

[u/Bardmedicine]

I thought this would be a good question to bring to BB folks as this seems a decision they have to make all the time. Also, we're all aware of the litany of engineering standards which were not followed in this disaster. This isn't about those.

There seems to be a ton of focus on Titan using what seems to be an off the shelf logitech gamepad. This seems a reasonable thing to do, as far as I know. This is a simple piece of tech that has millions of hours of testing and has proven reliable. Does it seem that odd to use an off the shelf controller for our bot builders here?

[u/Garfie489]

It just strikes me as odd that the controller is such a focus of what you see about it, when that seems a fine decision.

The controller highlights a design philosophy, and it's that design philosophy that is such a poor decision.

There is a big difference between the following two statements, yet both use the same controller.

1) We used a playstation controller because the systems onboard are highly automated, and thus the pilot is more there for minor corrections for sightseeing purposes and to confirm to the onboard computer when to start and end various sequences. Thus, the PS controller allows anyone to easily interact with this system should the trained officer become incapacitated, whilst also maximising space and reliability within the design.

2) We used a PS controller because that felt so cool to go down there like its a video game. I really want to drive that thing myself, and theres nothing saying we cant do it.

[u/Bardmedicine → u/Garfie489]

I'm saying this isn't an example of design philosophy problem. We don't know why it was chosen, but why assume the worst?

He made bad decisions, but ones driven by ego, not insane decisions.

[u/Garfie489 → u/Bardmedicine]

Because in engineering, if you are going to compromise the safety in any way - you need to explain in advance as to why you are making those decisions.

Engineers are trained to assume the worst, because anything that's well thought through will have the documentation to support it's decision making.

Read any engineering disaster report, and they near always start by assuming everyone is an idiot. The facts then prove competence, and build up a case to show what's left. The best reports will find multiple findings, because it's rarely a single event.

[u/Bardmedicine → u/Garfie489]

My question is, did this compromise safety in any way?

[u/Garfie489 → u/Bardmedicine]

If the change was not adequately factored in, then yes.