Design and realization of an autonomous dock for unmanned ships

Addressing the shortcomings in automatic deployment and retrieval as well as long-endurance capability of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) for inland waterways, this study focuses on the small-scale USV "Dolphin" as the research subject. A prototype of a docking station equipped with autonomous deployment/retrieval technology and wireless charging capabilities has been designed and implemented. Finite element analysis and dynamic simulation were employed to verify its feasibility. The results of practical application tests indicate that this prototype can further enhance the application capability and continuous operation time of USVs in complex environments, broadening their application prospects in fields such as marine scientific research, offshore patrols, and maritime rescue.