Researchers from Northwestern Polytechnical University, working alongside Xian Tianhe Maritime Technologies, have officially set a new world record for the largest number of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) operating simultaneously. The successful trial involved a swarm of 116 units, identified as TH-618 drones, which were tested in a controlled swimming pool environment.

This milestone marks a significant development in swarm robotics, a field focused on coordinating large groups of autonomous machines to perform complex tasks. While the specific tactical or commercial applications of the TH-618 swarm were not detailed in the initial reports, the achievement highlights China's growing technical capabilities in marine robotics and autonomous systems. The Guinness World Record organization verified the event, confirming that the deployment of 116 units constitutes the largest coordinated swarm of its kind to date. The project demonstrates the ability to manage high-density autonomous operations, a key challenge in underwater navigation and communication technology.