Zero-Human-Intervention Underwater Drones Set World Record

A Chinese team set a Guinness World Record on 29 August 2026 for the most autonomous underwater vehicles operating simultaneously. The record involved 116 autonomous underwater vehicles, or AUVs, named TH-618s, which carried out autonomous underwater formation navigation without human intervention for 34 minutes over 500 metres.

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

Autonomous underwater vehicles are unmanned submersible machines that operate without direct human control during a mission. They are used for underwater mapping, inspection, oceanographic research, and military surveillance. AUVs usually rely on sensors, navigation software, and onboard power systems to move through water.

Record Trial and Test Conditions

The trial took place in a swimming pool measuring 50 metres in length and 20 metres in width. The TH-618 swarm completed coordinated movement in a controlled water environment, which is a common method for testing navigation, communication, and formation control in robotics. Guinness World Records officials supervised the event and certified the record on its website.

Institutions and Technical Context

The team included researchers from Northwestern Polytechnical University and Xian Tianhe Maritime Technologies. Northwestern Polytechnical University is a Chinese university known for aerospace, marine engineering, and defence-related research. Xian Tianhe Maritime Technologies is associated with maritime technology development and underwater systems.

Important Facts for Exams

• Guinness World Records is a global organisation that certifies record attempts across categories such as science, technology, sports, and human achievement.
• Autonomous underwater vehicles are different from remotely operated vehicles because AUVs can function without a tethered human operator.
• Swarm robotics refers to the coordinated operation of multiple robots, often using decentralised control and shared navigation logic.
• Underwater formation navigation is a robotics task in which multiple vehicles maintain relative positions while moving through water.

Related Technical Terms

The TH-618 designation refers to a model of autonomous underwater vehicle used in the record attempt. Formation navigation, autonomy, and swarm coordination are key concepts in marine robotics and unmanned systems.

Exam-Relevant Background

Guinness World Records maintains verified records for measurable achievements with defined rules and supervision. The record was publicly noted by Northwestern Polytechnical University on 24 September 2026.