CIEMAT Publications

Abstract

Marine infrastructure requires more complex and secure inspections. This study critically analyzes the cooperative integration of USVs, UAVs, and AUVs, comparing architectures (centralized, cooperative, marsupial), heterogeneous networks, and standards (ROS 2/DDS, IMC, JANUS), and synthesizing advances in sensory fusion/SLAM, AI-assisted navigation, and control. It demonstrates greater coverage, continuity, and data quality, with lower risk and cost, although challenges remain in latency, bandwidth, interoperability, and cybersecurity. Practical applicability is demonstrated through field validation: the conversion of conventional fishing boats into autonomous USVs for operations supporting night fishing techniques.