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The 3^rd International Conference on Unmanned Vehicle Systems (UVS-Oman 2026) is organized by the College of Engineering at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU). This three-day event aims to bring together leading academicians, researchers, engineers, industrials, and regulators to increase awareness, share views, and exchange ideas and field experiences on numerous aspects of Unmanned Vehicle Systems (UVS). This conference organized by SQU is expected to provide an opportunity to network researchers, practitioners, students, and hobbyists to enrich interdisciplinary UVS and related platforms and present the most recent innovations, trials, future trends, applications, concerns as well as challenges and solutions developed and applied in the various fields of applications. A number of workshops, students’ projects competition, and an exhibition on UVS will be scheduled during the event.

Main Topics

The range of targeted topics is very broad, but priority is given to subjects on real world applications; including: research, industry, business, and education. The Technical Program Committee is inviting proposals for paper presentations, demonstrations, and poster contributions on topic relevant to UVS. These include but not limited to the following:

1.   Technological Advances in Unmanned Vehicle Systems (UVS) and Robotics
•    Innovative design approaches and modular, scalable architectures
•    Propulsion systems: electric, hybrid, and alternative power sources
•    Lightweight and durable materials for improved efficiency
•    Sensor and perception technologies for enhanced autonomy
•    Energy efficiency and power management solutions
•    Self-healing materials and damage-resistant structures
•    Adaptive camouflage and stealth technologies
•    Bio-inspired design and engineering
•    Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) Applications in UVS

2.    Intelligent Navigation, Control, and Decision-Making
•    Machine learning and AI-driven navigation algorithms
•    Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM)
•    Navigation in GPS-Denied Environments
•    Swarm intelligence and multi-vehicle coordination
•    Bio-inspired navigation and adaptive control systems
•    Real-time decision-making and self-learning autonomy
•    Multi-sensor fusion for robust localization and obstacle avoidance
•    Condition monitoring and fault tolerance of autonomous vehicles and operations

3.    Applications and Use-Cases of UVS and Robotics in Industry and the Public Sector
•    Oil and gas asset monitoring, inspection, and maintenance
•    Inspection of power grids and critical Infrastructure
•    Logistics, supply chain, warehouse management, and package delivery
•    Precision agriculture and innovative farming solutions
•    Environmental monitoring and disaster response
•    Mining and hazardous environment operations
•    Mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
•    Marine and underwater exploration
•    Defense and security applications, including border surveillance
•    Healthcare applications, including medical supply delivery
•    Tourism and Filmmaking
•    Space exploration and planetary rovers
•    Design, Construction, and Building Performance Monitoring

4.    Integration with IoT, Smart Cities, and Urban Mobility
•    Data interoperability and real-time traffic analysis
•    Smart traffic management and autonomous public transportation
•    Emergency response systems and disaster management integration
•    Standards for data exchange and communication
•    Community engagement in urban planning and adoption strategies
•    Integration of UAVs with 5G networks
•    Digital Twins for Smart Cities

5.    Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, and System Resilience
•    Big data analytics and predictive insights for UVS
•    Real-time data processing, edge computing, and visualization tools
•    Communication protocols for reliable system coordination
•    Cybersecurity threat assessment and vulnerability analysis
•    Blockchain for secure data sharing in connected unmanned systems
•    Robust security protocols, encryption methods, and cryptographic protection
•    Secure communication, incident response, and adaptive defense mechanisms
•    Continuous monitoring strategies for resilient unmanned systems
•    AI-driven anomaly detection in cyber-physical systems
•    Post-quantum cryptography for securing unmanned systems

6.    Education and Training of Unmanned Vehicle Systems (UVS) and Robotics
•    Integrating Unmanned Vehicle Systems into Engineering & STEM Curricula
•    Hands-on Learning with UVS: Lab-Based Approaches and Simulations
•    Developing Low-Cost Educational Drones and UGVs for Schools & Universities
•    Multidisciplinary Approaches to UVS Education: Combining Robotics, AI, and IoT
•    Competitions and Hackathons: Engaging Students in UVS Innovation
•    Certifications and Accreditation in UVS Education
•    Teaching Ethics, Safety, and Regulations for UVS Operations
•    Digital Twins and Virtual Reality for UVS Training
•    Bridging the Gap Between UVS Education and Industry Needs
•    Internships and Industry Partnerships for UVS Students

7.    Regulatory, Ethical, and Societal Implications
•    Safety standards, certifications, and legal accountability
•    Ethical dilemmas in autonomous decision-making
•    Privacy concerns and data protection in unmanned systems
•    Public perception, acceptance, and policy frameworks
•    Development of international regulations and compliance measures
•    Liability in accidents involving unmanned systems
•    Workforce displacement and economic impact of automation
•    Risk and reliability of autonomous vehicle systems

8.    Challenges and Future Trends in UVS and Robotics
•    Intuitive user interfaces and ergonomics for unmanned systems
•    Training, simulation, and VR/AR-based operator environments
•    Trust, reliability, and user acceptance studies
•    Sustainability considerations and eco-friendly operational practices
•    Overcoming regulatory, technological, and societal barriers
•    Psychological and cognitive effects of human interaction with autonomous vehicles
•    Standardization of human-UVS interaction protocols
•    Emerging technologies, AI advancements, and global market trends