A Review of the Development Status and Trends of Intelligent Technology for Aids to Navigation

The technology of aids to navigation has evolved from traditional visual and auditory assistance to radio navigation, and now to intelligent and information-driven development. Its core technologies have progressed from single-function devices to integrated systems incorporating IoT sensing, big data communication, artificial intelligence, and digital twin technologies. Current research focuses on intelligent perception and recognition, unmanned operation and maintenance, holistic status management, and coordinated services between virtual and physical aids to navigation. Future trends will advance toward comprehensive intelligence, high efficiency and reliability, and deep integration with intelligent shipping systems, ultimately leading to the establishment of a new-generation aids to navigation system capable of self-adaptation and autonomous decision-making.