Researchers at the 711th Human Performance Wing at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, are developing sensors to analyze a person’s “physical and cognitive performance” by measuring electrolytes from the person’s sweat, announced Air Force officials. The Band-Aid-like sensors will be used as “fuel gauges” to determine stress, dehydration, and other health-related issues, according to an April 15 release. “Our vision is that every airman at the beginning of their week, will be able to put on an electronic Band-Aid that will quantify everything about them,” said Dr. Josh Hagen, lead researcher. Joined with researchers at the University of Cincinnati, the team “would track [patients’] hydration levels by measuring electrolytes coming out of their sweat, and would alert them if they were trending in a direction of dehydration or heat stress,” states the release.
Upon assuming his new post, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David Wolfe prioritized high standards while pledging to ensure Airmen, of all specialties, get the equipment they need to project U.S. airpower.
