The Boring Company has switched on its new Global Operations Control Center in Bastrop, Texas. From this single hub, engineering and operations teams can now remotely monitor and control multiple tunnel boring machines (TBMs) operating across the United States.
By consolidating operations into one room, The Boring Company is moving toward a more streamlined, automated tunneling process. Instead of requiring large on-site teams to track machine performance, the Bastrop center allows staff to monitor real-time data, manage logistics, and issue commands from a central location.
The setup borrows from models used in aerospace and advanced manufacturing—fields where Musk already has experience through SpaceX mission control and Tesla’s Gigafactory operations centers. For tunneling, this means faster response times, reduced downtime, and the ability to scale projects across multiple cities simultaneously.
The company also released photos of the new facility, revealing an unexpected but practical detail: operators are using PlayStation 2 controllers to help guide and manage the massive machines. While unconventional, this choice highlights the company’s focus on intuitive, low-cost solutions that make complex systems easier to operate.
While it may seem surprising, gaming controllers are frequently used in industrial and military settings because of their durability, affordability, and familiar design. For operators, this approach lowers the learning curve and makes machine control more accessible compared to specialized hardware.
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