Operative Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs): A Review of Market-Ready Solutions

Authors:
Top Cited Papers
Open Access
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) have emerged as key enablers of autonomous maritime operations, offering innovative solutions across multiple industries, including defense, oceanography, offshore energy, and logistics. This review examines the current state of operative USVs, analyzing their technological evolution, design characteristics, and applications. The study highlights trends in autonomy, propulsion, endurance, and communication technologies, providing insights based on market-ready platforms. While USVs present significant advantages in terms of efficiency and operational safety, challenges such as regulatory constraints, cybersecurity risks, and limitations in autonomous decision-making persist. This paper aims to update researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders on the technological advancements and emerging trends shaping the future of unmanned vehicles.
Funding Information
  • Programa de Recursos Humanos da Agência Nacional do Petróleo, Gás Natural e Biocombustíveis (PRH18-ANP) (50/2015)
  • P, D&I Clause of ANP Resolution (50/2015)
  • National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) (50/2015)
  • Foundation for Research Support of the State of Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ) (50/2015)
  • Jovem Cientsta do Nosso Estado (50/2015)

This publication has 56 references indexed in Scilit: