Adaptive joystick having rotary dampers

This disclosure describes systems, devices, apparatuses, and methods of adjusting a resistance of user-input device, such as a joystick. In particular configurations, the device includes a joystick configured to rotate about a first axis and a second axis and a first resistance mechanism coupled to the joystick. The first resistance mechanism can include a rotary damper configured to selectively resist rotation of the joystick about the first axis and a processor in communication with the rotary damper and configured to adjust a resistance torque of the rotary damper. The rotary damper may provide resistance through manipulation of a magnetorheological (MR) fluid in the fluid damper.