Development of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles Technology

Abstract

Unmanned submersibles are important for deep sea exploration; they have become a key development direction for marine equipment worldwide. This study aims to propose a technical system layout for the autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) development in China by 2035. To this end, we first systematically summarized the current progress made worldwide regarding AUVs in terms of development plans, research, and application, and analyzed the technical trends and prospects of AUVs by 2035. Subsequently, we introduced the development status of AUVs in China and explored the challenges faced by it regarding top-level planning, equipment development, and industrialization process. Conclusively, China should identify materials and reliability as its basic research directions for AUVs and focus its efforts on breakthroughs in key technologies including perception, communication/navigation, energy, autonomous navigation, and cooperative operation. Furthermore, we proposed a preliminary plan for major scientific and technological projects that aim to promote the pedigree and localization of AUVs in China, and offered some policy suggestions for the high-quality development of the industry in China from the aspects of top-level planning, industry coordination, policy guidance, and personnel training.