The U.S. military is introducing new technologies that are generally possible. But this time, I chose a clearly technical retreat. The US Navy abolished the touch panel used for the destroyer control panel over the next 18 to 24 months and replaced it with the existing physical throttle and controller.
The decision was made based on accident feedback from destroyer John S McCain. In 2017, the destroyer crashed into a Liberian shipping tanker, killing 10 sailors. According to the investigation report, the complicated touch screen operation interface and lack of operation training were cited as factors of the accident.
According to this decision, it will be implemented sequentially starting around the summer of 2020 targeting Arleigh Burke class destroyers that have adopted an integrated bridge navigation system. Of course, this change doesn’t mean it rejects the new technology. However, since it is a new technology, it does not use it as it is. US Navy officials also pointed out that just because they can do it doesn’t mean that they have to do so, saying that the naval system is becoming overly complex and that the commonality of original ship operations is falling.
This does not mean that the Navy has given up on the touchscreen operation system. However, as Naval officials pointed out, any interface should be consistent and able to help in crisis situations. Warships must have an interface that can be intuitively manipulated, otherwise serious consequences can occur. Related information can be found here .