Consider this: Amazon predicts what you need before you even know it, then stocks their warehouses accordingly. Now, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM) are working to develop a similar predictive power to get crucial medical supplies and expert personnel to wounded warriors exactly when and where they’re needed most. Coordinating and transporting medics and equipment is a huge logistical challenge, especially in the face of evolving battlefield scenarios anticipated in the future, and accurate predictive logistics will be essential.
The team is using artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies to help the Air Force solve this problem. Their interdisciplinary approach combines USAFSAM’s medical expertise, AFRL’s Software Development Cell’s data infrastructure and know-how, and AFRL’s Autonomy Capability Team’s (ACT3) AI proficiency. They are reusing and scaling digital innovation; they’ve leveraged existing tools such as NIPRGPT (a DoD ChatGPT equivalent) and AI algorithms originally designed to optimize aircraft refueling logistics. They integrated these with BATDOK, a mobile tool AFRL developed for medics in the field to document patient information and administer care. Think of it like MyChart—BATDOK replaces today’s pencils and paper forms with digital patient records for real-time information sharing across medical teams.
AFRL and USAFSAM team during C-17 training simulation
The resultant prototype helps clinicians rapidly search through medical guidelines and supplies, saving precious time in emergencies—and saved time saves lives. This isn’t just theory. The initial prototype has already undergone field evaluations during simulated C-17 missions with the 137th Air National Guard, incorporating feedback from experienced medics.
Additional development focuses on optimizing aeromedical evacuations and real-time supply tracking. This proactive approach, using interconnected data and smart algorithms, predicts medical materiel needs and optimizes the entire chain of care, from injury to the hospital.
What’s truly driving this effort is the diverse expertise in the team, combined with a shared passion to do things that matter. Researchers are working side-by-side with medical experts to define new possibilities, because their focus isn’t just on technology, but on the goal: saving the lives of those who serve to bring our heroes home.
Many thanks to the ACT3, Software Development Cell, and USAFSAM teams, who provided the information for this story! To learn more, please visit the ACT3 website.
This article has been cleared for public release; please reference case AFMC-2025-0020.
