Full Breakdown
China Unveils Two Cutting-Edge Quantum Computers: Origin Wukong-180 and Hanyuan-2
5/10/2026, 11:15:48 AM
Core Event: Parallel Launches of Advanced Quantum Systems
On Saturday, Origin Quantum announced that its fourth-generation superconducting quantum computer, Origin Wukong-180, entered online service and began accepting global computing tasks. The same week, CAS Cold Atom Technology, a subsidiary of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), unveiled Hanyuan-2, the world’s first dual-core neutral-atom quantum computer. Both systems represent distinct technological pathways—superconducting qubits versus neutral-atom arrays—and were presented as milestones in China’s drive to move quantum hardware from experimental labs to practical applications.
Background & Context: Accelerating a National Quantum Agenda
China’s quantum strategy has progressed from the 72-qubit superconducting Origin Wukong (online January 2024) and the 100-qubit neutral-atom Hanyuan-1 (2023) to the current machines. State media describe the launches as evidence that Chinese quantum technology is entering “a new stage,” emphasizing self-reliance and full-stack development. The government has repeatedly highlighted quantum computing as a pillar for artificial-intelligence integration, industrial competitiveness, and strategic security.
Key Figures & Organizations
- Origin Quantum (Hefei, Anhui) – developer of the Wukong series.
- CAS Cold Atom Technology (Wuhan) – lead integrator of Hanyuan-2, partnered with Wuhan University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and the Wuhan Institute of Quantum Technology.
- Tang Biao – General Manager, CAS Cold Atom Technology.
- Ge Guiguo – Senior expert, CAS Cold Atom Technology.
Technical Specifications & Data
| System | Architecture | Qubit Count | Power Consumption | Notable Metrics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Origin Wukong-180 | Superconducting, single-core chip | 180 qubits (100-qubit-level capability) | Not disclosed | 50 million remote accesses from 160 countries; >900 000 tasks completed; four fully self-developed subsystems (chip, measurement/control, environment support, OS). |
| Hanyuan-2 | Dual-core neutral-atom array (100 Rb-85 + 100 Rb-87 atoms) | 200 qubits | < 7 kW | Atomic manipulation accuracy 99 %; qubit lifetime > 100 s; real-time error correction; operation without cryogenic cooling. |
Why It Matters: AI Integration, Industrial Use, and Energy Efficiency
Origin Wukong-180 is already linked to AI tools such as the “Origin Brain” large model and QPanda3 Runtime, signaling a move toward quantum-enhanced machine-learning workloads. Hanyuan-2’s low-energy, room-temperature design reduces operational costs and widens deployment possibilities for sectors like materials science, logistics, and finance. Both platforms aim to transition quantum computing from proof-of-concept to commercial services, with Origin Quantum reporting its first export sale in 2025 and CAS Cold Atom Technology securing initial contracts for Hanyuan-1.
Official Statements & Responses
- Origin Quantum emphasized that all four core systems of Wukong-180 are “fully self-developed at the full-stack level,” underscoring the company’s claim of complete industry-chain autonomy.
- CAS Cold Atom Technology highlighted the dual-core design as a “new stage” that enables parallel processing and simultaneous error correction, positioning Hanyuan-2 as a bridge to practical industrial applications.
- Chinese state media described the launches as proof that China’s quantum technology has achieved “world-class” qubit lifetime and reliability, reinforcing the narrative of strategic self-sufficiency.
Criticism & Gaps
Independent verification of performance claims remains limited; no external benchmarks or peer-reviewed assessments are cited. The articles provide no dissenting viewpoints from foreign experts or industry analysts, leaving the broader competitive context unexamined.
Verbatim Quotes
- “According to Tang Biao, general manager of CAS Cold Atom Technology, Hanyuan-2 features a compact cabinet-style integrated design and operates using only a relatively small laser cooling system.” — Tang Biao, General Manager, CAS Cold Atom Technology
- “Hanyuan-2 also delivers major breakthroughs over Hanyuan-1, boosting atomic manipulation accuracy from 90 percent to 99 percent and extending atomic stable survival time from 20 seconds to more than 100 seconds.” — CAS research team
- “The dual cores, operating either in parallel or as a “main core plus auxiliary core,” aim to improve computing efficiency and address limitations of single-core systems, potentially lowering costs and barriers to practical application.” — Ge Guiguo, Senior Expert, CAS Cold Atom Technology
- “does not require a complex ultra-low temperature cooling environment and can be quickly deployed in ordinary indoor settings,” — State media report
What’s Next: Toward Commercial Scaling and International Collaboration
Origin Quantum plans to expand its cloud-based quantum-task service and explore additional AI-focused algorithms. CAS Cold Atom Technology intends to scale the dual-core architecture, target further industrial contracts, and pursue joint research with overseas partners. Both firms cite ongoing work to increase qubit counts and improve error-correction protocols, suggesting that the next wave of Chinese quantum hardware could feature multi-core neutral-atom arrays and superconducting systems with integrated AI pipelines.
