In order to promote and guide the development of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) in China, this paper summarizes the research status of AUVs at home and abroad, and puts forward the development trends of serialization, grouping, systematization and large-scale development. Key AUV technologies such as overall multidisciplinary optimal design, structure and material design, power and propulsion, navigation and control, detection and communication are discussed. Finally, development opinions are put forward on how to make better use of AUVs to navigate the oceans and achieve the strategic goals of "ocean entry, ocean exploration and ocean utilization".