The Global Top 10 Engineering Achievements 2024 were announced on Dec 18 in Beijing by the Chinese Academy of Engineering's journal, Engineering. The list includes CAR-T cell therapy, the Chang'e-6 lunar mission, low earth orbit communication satellite constellation, flexible displays, high-temperature gas-cooled-reactor nuclear power station, smart factories, autonomous vehicles, surgical robots, the Sora video-generation artificial intelligence model, and ultra-large wind power equipment.
Visitors watch an AI-powered orthopedic surgical robot during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
These achievements were selected through a global nomination process, expert review and recommendation, public surveys, and deliberation by a selection committee.
The top 10 achievements represent the most advanced technological levels or significant original breakthroughs in one or more fields of engineering and technology, guiding the direction of future technological progress.
For example, CAR-T cell therapy has pioneered new methods for treating cancer and other serious diseases, marking the arrival of the era of cell therapy.
At the same time, these achievements have reached overall goals through technological integration and optimized resource allocation, showcasing characteristics of system integration and innovation.
For instance, low Earth orbit communication satellite constellations, with unique orbital advantages and technical features, are gradually becoming an important part of the global communication network. Smart factories, through the deep integration of manufacturing technology and information technology, have achieved digitalization, network, and intelligence of the entire lifecycle of production, manufacturing and management.
These achievements have also given rise to new industries, possessing significant values to drive industries and the economy. They represent the direction of new quality productive forces, such as autonomous vehicles and flexible displays which have vast application scenarios.
As foreseeable “disruptive technologies,” they are leading a new technological innovation revolution, generating enormous economic and social benefits and profoundly changing human lifestyles.
Since 2021, the journal Engineering has been organizing the selection of Global Top 10 Engineering Achievements annually to showcase significant innovations in engineering technology, guide global attention toward engineering science and technology, and foster an atmosphere that respects and values innovation in this field.
The Global Top 10 Engineering Achievements primarily refer to significant innovations in engineering and technology that have been completed and proven effective within the past five years, and which have had a global impact. They encompass major engineering projects, key technological equipment, and breakthroughs in original innovation within engineering and technology.
The selection has attracted widespread participation from engineering and technology professionals around the world, as well as significant public attention.
Source: Science and Technology Daily
