Wide Application of Marine Robotic Systems

Dear Colleagues,

The rapid advancement of robotics, artificial intelligence, and sensing technologies has profoundly transformed the landscape of marine science and engineering. Marine robotic systems (MRS)—including Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs), and autonomous aerial drones—are now crucial to ocean observation, exploration, and resource utilization.  These systems enhance the efficiency, safety, and scope of marine operations, enabling missions that are otherwise too dangerous, costly, or impractical for humans. By supporting real-time perception, decision-making, and cooperation under complex ocean environments, intelligent MRS are reshaping the way humans interact with and understand the marine world.

This Special Issue aims to consolidate cutting-edge research and emerging trends in the design, control, and application of marine robotic systems. It enables a space to share innovative theories, methods, and technologies that advance autonomy, perception, and collaboration in marine robotics. Topics of interest include intelligent sensing and data processing, multi-vehicle coordination, AI- and machine-learning-based decision systems, and the integration of robotic platforms for environmental monitoring, deep-sea exploration, and offshore operations. By bridging interdisciplinary perspectives, this Special Issue will highlight key challenges and opportunities in realizing intelligent, efficient, and sustainable robotic systems for future marine science and engineering.

The topics of interest for this Special Issue include but are not limited to

• Design, control, and optimization of marine robotic systems;
• Autonomy, perception, and collaboration in marine robotics;
• Intelligent sensing and data processing;
• Multi-vehicle coordination and cooperative control;
• AI- and machine-learning-based decision systems;
• Integration of robotic platforms for complex marine operations;
• Applications in environmental monitoring and marine observation;
• Deep-sea exploration and subsea intervention by MRS;
• Sustainable and intelligent marine operation systems.

Prof. Dr. Jianjun Ni
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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