China has made significant strides in technological advancements for 2024, showcasing innovations across various sectors. This year, remarkable progress has been exhibited particularly in areas such as quantum computing, commercial spaceflight, humanoid robots, and artificial intelligence-generated content (AIGC).
One of the standout achievements has been the operationalization of the third-generation superconducting quantum computer, named "Origin Wukong," which became functional earlier this year in Hefei, Anhui Province. Reportedly, this machine, equipped with the 72-qubit Wukong chip, has already tackled 270,000 tasks across 133 different countries and regions, signifying its global outreach and processing muscle.
Following this milestone, on December 3, the Tianyan-504, boasting the 504-qubit "Xiaohong" chip, was launched, surpassing the important 500-qubit benchmark. Developed by the China Telecom Quantum Group, the Tianyan-504 enhances the nation’s quantum computing prowess and will be integrated with China Telecom's newly launched "Tianyan" quantum computing cloud platform. This platform has attracted significant international attention, with over twelve million visits and users from more than fifty countries.
Equally impressive are China's advancements in commercial spaceflight. January saw the successful vertical return technology test of the Zhuque-3 reusable rocket at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. This was followed by its ten-kilometer vertical takeoff and landing test, which is pivotal for future missions. Marking another milestone, China's Hainan Commercial Spacecraft Launch Site, which is the nation’s first dedicated facility for commercial launches, successfully completed its inaugural Long March-12 rocket launch on November 30, 2023.
On another front, 2024 is being recognized as pivotal for humanoid robots. The introduction of Tiangong on April 27—a full-sized humanoid robot operational entirely on electric power—marks it as the world's first. Weighing just 43 kilograms and standing at 163 cm, Tiangong's impressive capabilities include human-like running abilities and open-source compatibility, paving the way for its commercial applications.
Not far behind, the XBot-L—a humanoid robot geared for dynamic movement—achieved the notable feat of walking along sections of the Great Wall of China. With advanced locomotion powered by state-of-the-art algorithms, the robot showcases the potential of embodied intelligence and automation.
Further innovations continue with advances toward 6G technology. A groundbreaking field test network was unveiled by Chinese telecom engineers, integrating key 6G technologies with expectations to significantly accelerate innovations. The commercial rollout of 6G mobile services is set for 2030, with global standards anticipated to be finalized as early as 2025.
The year 2024 has also seen the generative artificial intelligence industry flourish, with major growth recorded. Users of generative AI products reached 230 million by June 2024, and the industry is expected to be valued around 600 billion yuan (approximately $82.84 billion). Notably, more than 190 generative AI models are now active online, providing personalized user experiences across various sectors, signaling widespread applications beyond simple content creation.
Finally, as China looks toward the future, expectations are set for remarkable advancements across biotechnology and climate technologies as defining trends of the country's sci-tech evolution beyond 2024. With these progressive technologies, China aims to solidify its status as a global powerhouse of innovation and technological sustainability.
