Northwestern Polytechnical University and Xi'an Tianhe Maritime Technologies achieved a new Guinness World Record by simultaneously operating 116 TH-618 autonomous underwater robots. During testing conducted on August 29, 2026, the robots traveled over 500 meters in coordinated formation for 34 minutes without direct human control, following predetermined underwater routes.
Each robot in the test measured 61.5 centimeters in length, 20 centimeters in width, and 28 centimeters in height, weighing only 5.14 kilograms. Despite their compact design, the robots can travel up to 30 kilometers and operate continuously for over 8 hours. They are equipped with Real-time Visual Sensing technology to ensure accurate navigation and maintain formation stability underwater.
The test was conducted in a controlled 50-meter by 20-meter swimming pool rather than open ocean. The university believes this technology will be applied to future underwater research operations and other underwater industrial applications.
Ref: Technology Innovation
