Beyond the surface: Unravelling emerging signals in underwater sensing

The integral role of emerging technologies in industrial modernization is undeniable. However, these technologies, being novel and rapidly evolving, pose challenges in terms of identification and monitoring. In this study, we employ natural language processing, advanced topic modelling, powered by a large language keyword extractor, and a weak signal analysis framework to identify emerging research topics within the field of underwater sensing technologies, spanning scientific publications from 2012 to 2021. The analysis also encompasses the temporal evolution of these signals, providing insights into their future trends. This methodology holds applicability across diverse domains, offering strategic planners and domain experts a new and reliable tool for efficiently recognizing and monitoring trends related to emerging technologies. The ability to swiftly process and analyse extensive data volumes facilitates unbiased and evidence-based insights.