Abstract: A hand-activated controller including a base and a circuit board attached to the base is provided. The circuit board has an aperture extending therethrough, and first, second, third, and fourth switches disposed thereon proximate to the aperture. The controller further includes a shaft having a tubular portion and a plate portion. The plate portion is disposed proximate to the first, second, third and fourth switches. The controller further includes a ball-shaped member that is coupled to the tubular portion of the shaft, and a microprocessor. The microprocessor determines if the first, second, third and fourth switches transition from a first operational state to a second operational state indicating that the ball-shaped member and the shaft have been pushed downwardly toward the base, and to generate a first command signal in response thereto.