A Comprehensive Review of Ship Automatic Rudder Technology: Development, Challenges, and Prospects

Ship automatic rudder systems are critical to enhancing the precision, safety, and intelligence of modern navigation, which plays a significant role in optimizing vessel control, reducing crew workload, and improving operational efficiency. First, this paper undertakes a meticulous analysis of the e...

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Main Authors: Minjie Zheng, Qianqiang Chen, Daowei Yan, Yawei Zhang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Journal of Marine Science and Engineering
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/13/5/851
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author Minjie Zheng
Qianqiang Chen
Daowei Yan
Yawei Zhang
author_facet Minjie Zheng
Qianqiang Chen
Daowei Yan
Yawei Zhang
author_sort Minjie Zheng
collection DOAJ
description Ship automatic rudder systems are critical to enhancing the precision, safety, and intelligence of modern navigation, which plays a significant role in optimizing vessel control, reducing crew workload, and improving operational efficiency. First, this paper undertakes a meticulous analysis of the evolution of automatic rudder technology research through the application of bibliometric analytical methodologies. Second, a thorough literature review is conducted, focusing on the fundamental components of automatic rudder technology, encompassing sensor technologies, control algorithms, and basic functionalities, including both the latest advancements and the distinct traits of various technological approaches and algorithms. Third, the core functions of automatic rudder technology are analyzed, which includes heading control, wave compensation, ship collision avoidance, safety control mechanisms, path planning, and tracking control. Lastly, this paper summarizes the principal challenges encountered during the development of automatic rudder technology and proposes potential directions for future advancements.
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series Journal of Marine Science and Engineering
spelling doaj-art-2d44ee9abca3490aa6dde51ab018ced32025-08-20T01:56:28ZengMDPI AGJournal of Marine Science and Engineering2077-13122025-04-0113585110.3390/jmse13050851A Comprehensive Review of Ship Automatic Rudder Technology: Development, Challenges, and ProspectsMinjie Zheng0Qianqiang Chen1Daowei Yan2Yawei Zhang3Navigation College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, ChinaNavigation College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, ChinaNavigation College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, ChinaNavigation College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, ChinaShip automatic rudder systems are critical to enhancing the precision, safety, and intelligence of modern navigation, which plays a significant role in optimizing vessel control, reducing crew workload, and improving operational efficiency. First, this paper undertakes a meticulous analysis of the evolution of automatic rudder technology research through the application of bibliometric analytical methodologies. Second, a thorough literature review is conducted, focusing on the fundamental components of automatic rudder technology, encompassing sensor technologies, control algorithms, and basic functionalities, including both the latest advancements and the distinct traits of various technological approaches and algorithms. Third, the core functions of automatic rudder technology are analyzed, which includes heading control, wave compensation, ship collision avoidance, safety control mechanisms, path planning, and tracking control. Lastly, this paper summarizes the principal challenges encountered during the development of automatic rudder technology and proposes potential directions for future advancements.https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/13/5/851ship automatic rudderheading controlautopilot systemsliterature analysis
spellingShingle Minjie Zheng
Qianqiang Chen
Daowei Yan
Yawei Zhang
A Comprehensive Review of Ship Automatic Rudder Technology: Development, Challenges, and Prospects
Journal of Marine Science and Engineering
ship automatic rudder
heading control
autopilot systems
literature analysis
title A Comprehensive Review of Ship Automatic Rudder Technology: Development, Challenges, and Prospects
title_full A Comprehensive Review of Ship Automatic Rudder Technology: Development, Challenges, and Prospects
title_fullStr A Comprehensive Review of Ship Automatic Rudder Technology: Development, Challenges, and Prospects
title_full_unstemmed A Comprehensive Review of Ship Automatic Rudder Technology: Development, Challenges, and Prospects
title_short A Comprehensive Review of Ship Automatic Rudder Technology: Development, Challenges, and Prospects
title_sort comprehensive review of ship automatic rudder technology development challenges and prospects
topic ship automatic rudder
heading control
autopilot systems
literature analysis
url https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/13/5/851
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