There is a non-Jewish use for this. I remember developing code for a simulated elevator system, and Sabbath mode is an excellent backup mode if you detect that the elevator floor buttons are not working. While it's nowhere near as efficient as properly working mechanisms, it provides reduced functionality instead of being useless.

I think many systems should be designed with reduced functionality modes, and have them automatically enabled when practical. It's often better to have a partially working system than a total failure.