Embodied intelligence in unmanned surface vehicles: current applications and future perspectives

摘要

The maritime industry is on the cusp of a revolution with the advent of Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), which are redefining the paradigm of autonomous maritime operations. These sophisticated vessels are transitioning from human-operated systems to autonomous entities, courtesy of advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). This paper examines the role of embodied intelligence, the integration of AI into the operational fabric of USVs, in enhancing the capabilities of these vessels. It delves into the current state of USV applications, the challenges encountered in their deployment, and the prospective future developments that promise to further augment their functionality. Key areas such as intelligent navigation, collision avoidance, swarm behavior, and decision-making systems are explored to underscore the potential of USVs in transforming maritime tasks. The paper also addresses the hurdles impeding USV integration into the maritime domain, including navigational uncertainties, energy constraints, and the need for standardized regulatory frameworks. Looking forward, it is posited that embodied intelligence will be instrumental in propelling USVs to new heights of autonomy, efficiency, and operational scope, thereby shaping the future of maritime operations.