Review on Research of Control Technology of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

Abstract

The ocean serves as a vast and largely underexplored frontier, playing a critical role in global resource provision and climate regulation. In recent years, as understanding of its ecological and economic significance has deepened, underwater robots, particularly Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), have emerged as indispensable tools for deep-sea exploration and development. Their unique capability to operate untethered from surface vessels offers distinct advantages over Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), including a wider operational range, superior depth tolerance, enhanced maneuverability, and lower maintenance demands. With the growing strategic importance of the oceans in the 21st century, AUVs have proven vital in diverse fields such as resource assessment, scientific research, and military operations. This review aims to synthesize the current state of AUV control technology, identify pivotal research challenges, and outline emerging future trends. It examines a spectrum of control methodologies, ranging from conventional approaches to cutting-edge intelligent algorithms, while focusing on the unique constraints and testing challenges posed by the complex and unpredictable underwater environment.