Antarctic scientific expeditions are of immense significance for understanding global climate change, ecosystem protection, and the history of the Earth itself. With the advancement of technology, the application of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) in Antarctic research has been increasingly widespread. USVs can conduct environmental exploration and data collection in extreme conditions, providing valuable data for Antarctic expeditions. This article first introduces the application of USVs in Antarctic expeditions at home and abroad, as well as the value they reflect. Then, it analyzes the technical characteristics of USVs for Antarctic expeditions and the prospects for future application and promotion. Finally, development suggestions for USVs and related technologies are proposed from aspects such as adapting to extreme environments, long-term maritime operations, and marine environmental cognition.