Marine Robotics 4.0: Present and Future of Real-Time Detection Techniques for Underwater Objects

Abstract

Underwater marine robots (UMRs), such as autonomous underwater vehicles, are promising alternatives for mankind to perform exploration tasks in the sea. These vehicles have the capability of exploring the underwater environment with onboard instruments and sensors. They are extensively used in civilian applications, scientific studies, and military missions. In recent years, the flourishing growth of deep learning has fueled tremendous theoretical breakthroughs and practical applications of computer-vision-based underwater object detection techniques. With the integration of deep-learning-based underwater object detection capability on board, the perception of underwater marine robots is expected to be enhanced greatly. Underwater object detection will play a key role in Marine Robotics 4.0, i.e., Industry 4.0 for Marine Robots. In this chapter, one of the key research challenges, i.e., real-time detection of underwater objects, which has prevented many real-world applications of object detection techniques onboard UMRs, is reviewed. In this context, state-of-the-art techniques for real-time detection of underwater objects are critically analyzed. Futuristic trends in real-time detection techniques of underwater objects are also discussed.