Optimization and Control for Unmanned Systems and Intelligent Logistics
A special issue of Mathematics (ISSN 2227-7390). This special issue belongs to the section "E2: Control Theory and Mechanics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2026 | Viewed by 14
Special Issue Editors
Interests: dynamics; optimization and control theory; intelligent logistics systems
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
We are pleased to invite you to contribute to the special issue titled "Optimization and Control for Unmanned Systems and Intelligent Logistics", which highlights the critical role of theoretical innovation and technological integration in advancing the autonomy and reliability of unmanned systems and its applications in intelligent logistics. This platform aims to showcase cutting-edge research that bridges fundamental modeling with practical optimization and control methodologies, addressing the most pressing challenges in modern unmanned systems engineering and logistics applications.
This Special Issue aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue by focusing on the deep convergence of optimization theory, control algorithms, sensing-actuating, logistics system modeling technologies. It seeks to explore how mathematical frameworks—ranging from differential geometry to optimization theory—can underpin the design of robust optimization and control strategies for unmanned systems operating in complex, uncertain logistics environments. By emphasizing both model-driven precision and data-driven adaptability, the issue targets breakthroughs that enhance the safety, efficiency, and scalability of unmanned systems across diverse applications.
In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but not limited to) the following:
- Dynamics modeling for nonlinear, underactuated, or multi-agent unmanned systems (e.g., drones, autonomous vehicles, robotic swarms)
- Development of stochastic optimization, robust optimization, adaptive control, and model predictive control strategies for objective optimization, trajectory tracking, and collaborative task execution
- Integration of multi-modal sensing (inertial navigation, computer vision, lidar) with state estimation algorithms (Kalman filtering, graph optimization) for real-time environmental perception
- Optimization techniques for vehicle routing, path planning, energy management, and formation control in single or multi-robot systems, including linear/nonlinear programming, stochastic optimization, and swarm intelligence algorithms
- Synergies between classical control theory and modern machine learning (deep reinforcement learning, adaptive neural networks) for autonomous decision-making in unstructured environments
- Robustness analysis and fault-tolerant control strategies to ensure reliability under hardware failures or environmental disturbances
I look forward to receiving your contributions. Whether theoretical investigations, technical innovations, or application-oriented studies, your work will help shape the future of unmanned systems by advancing their capabilities in autonomy, adaptability, and collective intelligence. Submissions should adhere to the journal’s guidelines and highlight the novelty and impact of your research in addressing the dynamics and control challenges of unmanned systems.
Prof. Dr. Dali Zhang
Dr. Dongfang Li
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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
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. Mathematics 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 2600 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
- unmanned systems
- optimization and control theory
- intelligent logistics systems
- optimization techniques
- autonomous systems
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