Bailey shows software-driven joystick concept

Bailey customizable joystick concept. (Photo: Becky Schultz)

At the 2026 iVT Off-Highway Expo in Rosemont, Ill., Bailey International LLC previewed a customizable joystick concept featuring haptic and mechanical feedback entirely programmed through software.

The interactive force feedback joystick prototype demonstrates adjustable force resistance, centering feel, virtual gates and detents and haptic cues. These settings can create different control experiences on a single hardware platform without changing mechanical springs or gates.

“As machines become more electronically controlled, the feel of the controls becomes a design choice,” said Darren Lockyer, VP of Electronics at Bailey. “We’re exploring how to give OEMs more flexibility to tailor that feel to the machine, the task and the operator.”

The current demonstrator offers four software-defined control experiences that can be set using the labeled button sets:

• The Variable Spring & Detent Force mode offers low, medium, high and progressive force profiles based on the application and operator skill level.
• The Autonomous Assist/Guided Control mode converts the joystick to an intelligent operator interface – the operator remains in control while the joystick gently guides movement toward the desired path.
• The Haptic Feedback mode enables the use of touch and sound – not just displays – to communicate information.
• The Software-defined Gates & Detents mode enables control behavior to be changed instantly at the press of a button, without changing hardware.

The joystick concept operates without fixed physical barriers in specific directions. Customizable detents can be set to mimic gear shifts and virtual detents to replicate physical feel without traditional directional restrictions.

The development prototype is not available for purchase. Rather, Bailey is continuing to iterate on the technology and is seeking conversations with OEMs about the control challenges and applications that should guide its development.

“We see real potential to improve operator experience, efficiency and safety while simplifying product configuration and supply chains,” added Nicholas Whyte, new product development manager at Bailey. “We’re looking for OEM partners to help us test and validate where this technology can deliver the most value.”