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Journal of Bionic Engineering ›› 2026, Vol. 23 ›› Issue (3): 1263-1292.doi: 10.1007/s42235-026-00877-y

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Application of Artificial Intelligence in Biomimetic Underwater Vehicles – A Review

Simiao Yu1; Yan Wang1; Hongna Zhang1; Xiaobin Li1; Fengchen Li1   

  1. 1 School of Mechanical Engineering, State Key Laboratory ofEngines (Tianjin University), Tianjin University,Tianjin 300350, China
  • Online:2026-06-15 Published:2026-10-26
  • Contact: Fengchen Li1 E-mail:lifch@tju.edu.cn
  • About author:Simiao Yu1; Yan Wang1; Hongna Zhang1; Xiaobin Li1; Fengchen Li1

Abstract: Biomimetic Underwater Vehicles (BUVs), as an important research direction in the field of intelligent equipment, have made significant progress in propulsion system optimization, environmental perception and autonomous control in recent years. The widespread application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has greatly promoted the intelligent and multifunctional development of BUVs in complex mission scenarios. This paper focuses on the key applications of AI technology in BUVs, including intelligent control based on reinforcement learning, intelligent navigation with fusion of multiple sensors, data-driven structural optimization design, and intelligent diagnosis and adaptive maintenance for reliability. At the same time, the core challenges currently faced by BUVs in terms of algorithm robustness, extreme environment adaptability and coordinated execution of complex tasks are summarized as well. For future development, potential research directions such as intelligent material integration, multi-environment collaborative operation, digital twin technology and efficient energy management are proposed to provide technical support for the continuous innovation and practical application of BUVs.

Key words: Biomimetic underwater vehicle, Artificial intelligence, Reinforcement learning, Intelligent control, Multi-sensor fusion