Advances in Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Technology
A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Robotics and Automation".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 April 2026 | Viewed by 1513
Special Issue Editors
Interests: unmanned aerial and underwater vehicle; ocean robotics; underwater detection
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) are unmanned, programmable submersibles capable of executing complex missions without direct human operation. They have emerged as transformative tools in ocean exploration. This Special Issue, “Advances in Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Technology”, aims to spotlight the cutting-edge research on using new technologies and configurations to address existing challenges and push the boundaries of AUV capability. We invite original contributions, reviews, and case studies that highlight recent innovations across three key domains:
- Emerging Technologies in AUV Systems
We seek studies that demonstrate novel applications of cutting-edge technologies to enhance AUV performance. Examples include the following:
AI-Enhanced Autonomy; Advanced Sensing and Perception, Energy and Propulsion Breakthroughs, Robust Communication and Networking, Advanced Control Systems, etc.
- Innovative AUV Configurations
This section welcomes research on reimagining AUV design to meet specialized needs. Topics of interest include the following:
Unmanned Aerial Underwater Vehicle, Innovative Exterior Design, Modular Architectures, Bio-Inspired Designs, Collaborative Systems, etc.
- Novel Applications in The Ocean
We encourage submissions that showcase AUVs that enable new frontiers in ocean engineering and science. Examples include the following:
Polar Environment Missions, Ecosystem Monitoring, Subsea Pipelines, Offshore Platforms, etc.
We eagerly await your impactful contributions in driving this field forward.
Dr. Zhaoyu Wei
Dr. Liushuai Cao
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- autonomous underwater vehicles
- bio-inspired design
- control system
- novel application
- AI-enhanced autonomy
- unmanned aerial underwater vehicle
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
