Penny & Giles has developed new handles for its JC 300 bi-directional joysticks that replicate the movement of the equipment that it is controlling, the UK company claims. The handles, called the ZA and ZB, are fingertip controlled and are designed for use in chest packs and control consoles for cranes and lifting equipment. Both ranges of handles use an additional axis of proportional control to allow them to move in the same direction as the equipment that they are controlling. Penny & Giles says that each of the two handles has a life expectancy of more than 500,000 operations.
Little known fact: Penny & Giles joysticks were used to control the pig hero of the film Babe – Pig in the City.