Robotics and Unmanned Systems - Game Changers for Combat Medical Missions.

摘要

The development and deployment of unmanned systems throughout the military forces of the world is rapid, accelerating and game changing. This paper describes the current and planned research and development of robotics/unmanned systems being designed specifically for combat medical missions such as critical item resupply, casualty extraction, and casualty evacuation. These systems will also be applicable to logistics delivery, combat search and rescue, and special operations team insertion/ extraction. Combat medical missions such as resupply and casualty evacuation are dangerous missions. This is especially true for the high demand/low density helicopter flightcrews bringing in the supplies and evacuating the wounded and the medical personnel on the ground who have to rescue and treat the wounded. Medical first responders often become casualties themselves while trying to rescue or treat their comrades. This has been true since the beginning of armed conflict and perhaps there is a better way. Fielding robotics and unmanned systems which can perform these missions and tasks will: (1) Provide tactical commanders with increased tactical and operational flexibility; (2) Allow the execution of these missions in conditions manned platforms cannot (should not) operate in such as zero-zero weather or a contaminated environment; (3) Husband critical medical first responder resources; and (4) Act as a force multiplier of scarce medical evacuation systems.