As 2024 approaches its end, here are the ten most notable events of the year from China in the tech sector.

1. "Q Family" Humanoid Robots Make Public Debut in Beijing

"Q Family" humanoid robots developed by the research team at the Institute of Automation at the Chinese Academy of Sciences made their public debut in Beijing in February. Led by Qiao Hong, an academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences and director of the state key laboratory of multimodal artificial intelligence systems, the research team built a "big factory" for the design and assembly of the humanoid robots. Several prototypes of "Q Family" humanoid robots have obtained preliminary technical verification.

2. Chinese Researchers Confirm Origin of Cosmic Rays for the First Time

The Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO) has discovered a giant ultra-high-energy gamma-ray bubble structure in the Cygnus star-formation region on February 26. This is the first time in human history that the origin of cosmic rays with energy higher than 10 Peta-Electronvolt (PeV) has been discovered. Cosmic rays are charged particles from outer space, mainly composed of protons. The origin of cosmic rays is one of the most important frontier issues in modern astrophysics. Measurements of cosmic rays in past decades have revealed a break around 1 PeV in the energy spectrum, which is called the "knee" of the cosmic ray energy spectrum due to its shape resembling a knee joint.

3. Chinese Researchers Develop First Open-Source Brain-on-a-chip System

Chinese researchers have developed an open-source “brain-on-chip” interface system in June, which is the first of its kind in the world. The system, MetaBOC, enables a brain organoid to autonomously control robots for tasks such as obstacle avoidance, tracking and grasping, completing inspired work of various brain-like computing. The brain-on-a-chip consists of two components: the electrode chip and the in vitro-cultured brain tissue. This brain organoid is created through stem cell culture technology and possesses some of the intelligent functions of a biological brain.

4. Antiferromagnetic Phase Transition Observed in Fermionic Hubbard Model 

On July 11, a research team from the University of Science and Technology of China has reported observing antiferromagnetic phase transition in a large and uniform quantum simulator, according to a study published in the journal Nature. The quantum simulator is the first to achieve the simulation of the fermionic Hubbard model beyond classical computers using ultracold atomic quantum simulators. The international academic community has set three stages for the development of quantum computing. Chen Yu'ao, professor from the research team of University of Science and Technology of China, said that the first-level goal had been reached after the launch of Google's "Sycamore," China's University of Science and Technology's "Jiuzhang" series and the "Zuchongzhi" quantum computing platforms.

5. China’s Chang'e-6 Probe Returns With First Ever Moon Far-Side Samples

On June 25, China's Chang'e-6 probe made history by returning to Earth with the first-ever samples collected from the far side of the moon. This landmark achievement showcases China's advancements in space exploration, highlighting the country's growing capabilities in scientific research and lunar exploration. The samples, retrieved from a region never before studied, will provide crucial insights into the moon's geological composition and the broader history of the solar system.

6. Huawei Launches HarmonyOS NEXT, China's First Homegrown Mobile Operating System

On October 22, Chinese tech giant Huawei released HarmonyOS NEXT, its self-developed operating system built independent of Android architecture. The launch event in Shenzhen, where the company is based, marks another milestone for Huawei since Washington put it on the "Entity List" in 2019, barring it from doing business with US firms including Google, which provides Android. HarmonyOS NEXT is the fifth iteration of HarmonyOS. As an open-source operating system, HarmonyOS was first launched in August 2019 and has replaced iOS to become the second-largest mobile operating system on the Chinese market.

7. China Recovers its First Reusable, Returnable Test Satellite

China successfully recovered its first reusable and returnable test satellite, the Shijian-19, at the Dongfeng Landing Site in the Gobi Desert in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on October 11, 2024, according to the China National Space Administration. The mission included space breeding, new technology validation and international cooperation payloads, marking a significant step forward in space technology development and global collaboration. The recovery of Shijian-19 signifies China's progress in space exploration and its dedication to advancing space science through innovative and reusable satellite technology.

8. China Launches First Domestically Built Deep-Ocean Drilling Vessel

On November 17, China's first domestically designed and built deep-ocean drilling vessel Meng Xiang, with a maximum drilling depth of 11 kilometers, was officially commissioned in the southern Chinese metropolis of Guangzhou, marking a significant stride to reach where humanity has never ventured before. As China's largest scientific research vessel, the Meng Xiang measures 179.8 meters in length and 32.8 meters in width, with a displacement of 42,600 tonnes. It boasts a range of 15,000 nautical miles, a self-supportability for 120 days, and a capacity to accommodate 180 people.

9. China Launches New-generation Amphibious Assault Ship

China launched its first Type 076 new-generation amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan, in Shanghai on December 27. Named after southwest China's Sichuan Province, the independently developed new vessel was put into the water at a launch and naming ceremony. It was given the hull number 51. The Sichuan has a full-load displacement of over 40,000 tonnes and features a dual-island superstructure along with a full-length flight deck. It incorporates innovative electromagnetic catapult and arrestor technologies, enabling it to carry fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and amphibious equipment. Following its launch, the ship will undergo a series of planned tests, including equipment commissioning, mooring tests and sea trials.

10. China's Six-Gen Stealth Fighter Takes Maiden Flight

On December 26, China conducted the first flight of its new sixth-generation stealth fighter jet, marking a pivotal step in its quest to challenge the United States' air combat supremacy. Videos and photos circulating online capture a tailless, previously unseen fighter jet flying over Sichuan province. Accompanying the aircraft was a J-20 fighter jet, reportedly serving as a “chase plane” to monitor and support the test flight.