Hybrid Artificial Potential Fields and Spatio-Temporal Transformers for Real-Time AUV Path Planning

Abstract:Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) operate in complex, unstructured environments where efficient and safe path planning is critical for mission success and energy conservation. This paper presents a comprehensive comparative evaluation of thirteen path planning algorithms, ranging from classical graph-search methods (A*, Dijkstra) and sampling-based approaches (RRT*) to metaheuristics (PSO, GA, ACO, BCO) and learning-based architectures. Special emphasis is placed on a proposed hybrid approach combining Artificial Potential Fields (APF) with a Spatio-Temporal (ST) Transformer. Evaluated across five navigation scenarios on high-resolution underwater terrain maps, all algorithms achieved 100\% task completion; however, significant trade-offs emerged in path optimality, collision avoidance, and computational load. The Hybrid APF + ST-Transformer demonstrated superior balanced performance, achieving the shortest average path length (943.15 units), a low collision rate (0.031), and efficient computation time (0.96 s), outperforming standalone learning models, which required fallback mechanisms and classical methods that incurred higher latency. While classical algorithms guaranteed collision-free paths, their excessive path lengths and processing times render them less suitable for dynamic underwater operations. Conversely, metaheuristic approaches introduced trajectory complexity unsuitable for strict energy constraints. Based on these findings, the Hybrid APF + ST framework is recommended as a principal approach for real-time AUV navigation, offering a robust solution that harmonizes reactive obstacle avoidance with global path optimality in resource-constrained underwater systems.

Robotics (cs.RO)

arXiv:2607.25056 [cs.RO]

(or arXiv:2607.25056v1 [cs.RO] for this version)

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2607.25056 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite (pending registration)

arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website.

Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them.

Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs.