Applications and Development of Underwater Robotics and Underwater Vision Technology

In recent years, the ocean has become a crucial frontier for human exploration and development. Underwater vision, a multidisciplinary field focused on underwater environments, has seen wide applications across marine resource development, marine biology, and underwater detection and control. In marine resource development, underwater vision technology supports oil exploration and deep-sea mineral extraction. High-precision vision systems in underwater robots enable operations in challenging environments, aiding in the discovery and use of seabed resources. In marine biology, underwater cameras mounted on robots capture marine organisms in their natural habitats, advancing the study of deep-sea ecosystems and species distribution. In underwater detection and control, vision technologies allow for tasks such as target identification and 3D modeling. Robots equipped with sonar and optical systems detect underwater targets and create 3D models, offering valuable tools for environmental studies. To further promote progress in this field, we have launched a Special Issue on underwater vision. It welcomed research on topics including underwater robot vision systems, underwater image enhancement and processing, underwater object detection and recognition, underwater 3D reconstruction techniques, optical imaging and laser scanning technologies, physical environment modeling and simulation, underwater acoustic imaging and sonar technologies, and underwater communication and networking.