ohjaustikku

An ohjaustikku, commonly known as a joystick, is a manual input device that consists of a stick pivoted at a base. The stick can be moved in two or three dimensions. Sensors within the base detect the direction and extent of the stick's movement.

Joysticks are frequently used to control video games and other entertainment applications. They provide a more intuitive and precise control mechanism for actions such as movement or aiming compared to keyboard or mouse input for certain types of games. Beyond gaming, joysticks find applications in industrial control systems, such as operating cranes, forklifts, and other heavy machinery. They are also utilized in medical equipment, like surgical robots, and in aircraft cockpits for flight control.

The design of a joystick can vary. Some have a simple two-axis control, while others incorporate a third axis or additional buttons and triggers for more complex functionality. The resistance and travel of the stick can also be adjusted to suit different user preferences and applications. Early joysticks were purely analog, translating stick position into varying voltage signals. Modern joysticks often incorporate digital components and can offer features like force feedback, which provides tactile sensations to the user.