A Systematic Review of Cutting-Edge Radar Technologies: Applications for Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs)

Abstract

This systematic review evaluates the integration of advanced radar technologies into unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), focusing on their role in enhancing autonomy in defense, transportation, and exploration. A comprehensive search across IEEE Xplore, Google Scholar, arXiv, and Scopus identified relevant studies from 2007 to 2024. The studies were screened, and 54 were selected for full analysis based on inclusion criteria. The review details advancements in radar perception, machine learning integration, and sensor fusion while also discussing the challenges of radar deployment in complex environments. The findings reveal both the potential and limitations of radar technology in UGVs, particularly in adverse weather and unstructured terrains. The implications for practice, policy, and future research are outlined.