Introducing AI Research Pilot
A slightly less annoying way to query AIs
"A researcher doesn't use AI as primary source" is my mantra. But what if we could use AI not as the source, but as a tool that actually points us to legitimate sources? That's why I built AI Research Pilot.
What it is and why I bothered
This tool is designed specifically for investigators, reporters and other researchers, so don't bother using it to ask for the best pizza near your home. It works with AI platforms that cite their sources and formats queries for other chatbots in ways that encourage them to back up their claims with references. Research Pilot isn't about letting AI do the research for you - it's about making AI help you find where to start your actual investigation.
Functions
Research Pilot transforms your topic into a structured query. It runs entirely in your browser because I'm too cheap to pay for server costs and too paranoid to track your searches.
The tool forces AIs to actually do some work by making them cover:
Current developments (you can override this , e.g. 2019)
Historical context (that stuff you always forget to ask about)
Key players and stakeholders (following the power)
Actual data and research (when available)
Different perspectives (because nuance exists)
Expert opinions (when they're not just making them up)
Future implications (educated guesses)
Sources worth checking (when they bother to provide them)
... you can edit your angle, see below
How it works (embarrassingly simple)
You get two options:
Option 1: Direct Links to AI Search
Click and it opens Perplexity or You.com with the structured query pre-loaded. Useful when you want sources cited and don't want to spend 20 minutes crafting perfect prompts.
Option 2: Chat Prompt Copy-Paste
When you click a chat link (ChatGPT, Gemini, etc.), the tool copies the structured prompt to your clipboard and opens the empty chat box. Just paste and watch as the AI pretends it knew what real research looked like all along.
How to override the tool
For the overly curious: there's also a template editor at the bottom if you want to tinker with the underlying structure. Your changes are saved in your browser's local storage so they persist between sessions, which is about as fancy as this gets.
Special operators
Why this might be useful
Look, AI chatbots are impressive but fundamentally lazy. They'll give you the minimum viable answer unless you force them to work harder. This tool is just a convenience - it makes structuring good queries a bit less tedious.
The entire thing is self-contained HTML/JavaScript. No server, no tracking, no API calls - just a template that inserts your topic and generates links. Your searches stay on your device until you actually click something.
Great news! V2 is out.
The AI Research Pilot http://digitaldigging.org/research has undergone a significant evolution in 24 hrs, reaching v2.2 with major feature enhancements and usability improvements based on fantastic user feedback. It's now an even more versatile tool for investigators, reporters, and researchers.
What's New & Improved:
17 Diverse Research Angles Go way beyond standard searches! Select from 17 distinct prompt templates including: Default Investigative (now customizable!) Timeline Focus Stakeholder Analysis Argument/Counter-Argument SWOT Analysis Comparative Analysis Financial Trail Source Network Mapping Scientific Evidence Review Data Verification Historical Context Legal Framework Media Coverage Analysis Policy Impact Assessment Algorithmic/Technical Analysis Environmental Impact Public Opinion
Tracking Multilingual Topic Input The main research topic field now explicitly welcomes input in any language
Smarter Interface: Research Angle selection is prominent with dynamic descriptions explaining each angle's focus Optional parameters (time, sources, keywords, output options) are neatly collapsible for a cleaner workspace The tool version (v2.2) is now clearly displayed in the header
Enhanced Output: Results header clearly states the topic and specific research angle used for generated links/prompt Chatbot links include topic context and specific paste instructions tailored for Mac (Cmd+V), Windows/Linux (Ctrl+V), or Mobile ('select paste') Huge thanks to everyone for the valuable feedback that shaped this release! Special shoutout to users like Sophie Brown who are using these tools to uncover hidden information and conduct digital archaeology that makes a real difference.
Try it if you want
It's free.
Get it here: digitaldigging.org/research
Found bugs? Let me know on LinkedIn.
Want more tools? Subscribe to this newsletter and I'll occasionally send you things that might save you five minutes.
Very nice work. I used it to give Perplexity this topic:
"current US military assets in the Middle East which might be used in the event of a war with Iran"
and got back this report with 51 sources:
Comprehensive investigation for reporters and researchers on current US military assets in the Middle East which might be used in the event of a war with Iran: 1. Current status & key developments. 2. Background & historical context. 3. Key stakeholders (individuals, orgs, groups). 4. Data, statistics & relevant studies. 5. Different perspectives & controversies. 6. Expert analysis & opinions. 7. Future outlook & implications. Prioritize credible sources
Comprehensive investigation for reporters and researchers on current US military assets in the Middle East which might be used in the event of a war with Iran: 1. Current status & key developments. 2. Background & historical context. 3. Key stakeholders (individuals, orgs, groups). 4. Data, statistics & relevant studies. 5. Different perspectives & controversies. 6. Expert analysis & opinions. 7. Future outlook & implications. Prioritize credible sources
Pro Search
Sources 51
U.S. military capabilities in the Middle East have expanded significantly since 2023, driven by escalating tensions with Iran and regional conflicts. Below is a structured analysis of current assets, context, and implications:
1. Current Status & Key Developments
Carrier Strike Groups: The USS Carl Vinson and Harry S. Truman groups are deployed in the Middle East, alongside the USS Eisenhower in the Red Sea and USS Ford in the Mediterranean. These groups include guided missile cruisers, destroyers, and air wings with 5,000+ personnel.
Missile Defense Systems: The U.S. relocated Patriot and THAAD systems from Asia to Bahrain, Qatar, and Djibouti to counter ballistic threats.
Stealth Bombers: Six B-2 Spirits were deployed to Diego Garcia, positioning them within striking range of Iran and Houthi-held Yemen.
Submarines: An Ohio-class nuclear-powered submarine, capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk missiles, entered the Red Sea.
Troop Deployments: Approximately 45,000 U.S. personnel are stationed across the region, with 1,200 additional troops sent since October 2023.
2. Background & Historical Context
The current buildup follows the October 2023 Hamas-Israel war, which triggered Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping and Iranian-backed militia strikes on U.S. bases. The U.S. launched a sustained bombing campaign against Houthi targets in Yemen in early 2024. Efforts to deter Iran intensified after its direct missile attacks on Israel in April 2024, which U.S. forces intercepted.
3. Key Stakeholders
U.S. Leadership: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered recent deployments, while Admiral Samuel Paparo (Indo-Pacific Command) has raised concerns about resource diversion to the Middle East.
Regional Actors: Iran’s nuclear advancements and support for proxies like Hezbollah and the Houthis drive U.S. strategy.
Analysts: Experts like Blaise Misztal (JINSA) advocate military action to degrade Iran’s capabilities, while others, such as Yossi Mansharof (Misgav Institute), argue the U.S. seeks diplomatic leverage.
4. Data & Statistics
Troops: 45,000+ personnel in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and other bases.
Aircraft: Four squadrons deployed in 2024, including F-35s and A-10s.
Naval Assets: Over 20 warships in the Red Sea, Mediterranean, and Persian Gulf.
5. Perspectives & Controversies
Pro-Military Action: Advocates highlight Iran’s nuclear progress and proxy aggression, urging preemptive strikes on facilities.
Diplomatic Caution: Critics warn that excessive force could provoke broader war, noting Trump’s preference for negotiations.
Resource Strain: Pacific Command leaders warn that Middle East operations risk depleting munitions stockpiles needed to counter China.
6. Expert Analysis
Blaise Misztal: Argues that only military force can roll back Iran’s regional influence and nuclear ambitions.
Yossi Mansharof: Believes the U.S. buildup aims to pressure Tehran into negotiations, not immediate conflict.
CFR Analysts: Note that sustained Houthi attacks and Israeli-Hezbollah clashes could force a larger U.S. intervention.
7. Future Outlook
Escalation Risks: Direct U.S.-Iran conflict is possible if proxy attacks continue or Iran accelerates nuclear enrichment.
Strategic Balancing: Competing priorities (deterring China vs. Middle East crises) may strain U.S. military capacity, forcing tough resource allocations.
Diplomatic Pathways: The U.S. could leverage its military posture to push for renewed nuclear talks, though Tehran has resisted concessions.
This multifaceted buildup underscores the U.S. commitment to regional stability but also highlights vulnerabilities in balancing global threats.
People also ask
What are the main reasons behind the recent increase in US military assets in the Middle East
How might the deployment of additional US military assets impact regional stability
What are the potential consequences of transferring munitions from the Asia-Pacific to the Middle East
How are US military leaders addressing the readiness challenges caused by the redeployment of assets
What role do US military assets play in the current conflict in Yemen
Of course, virtually all the sources are biased US military-industrial complex and US government stenographers, which is not surprising. The reality of the situation in the Middle East is almost the 180-degree opposite. So the only useful factual information was the latest US military deployments.
Still, this is a very nice tool for starting a research project. I'm sure I'll be using it and playing around with it going forward.
Nice job. And I'll restack your article with a recommendation.