IBM Believes Its New 'Heron' Chip Is The First Step To Build A Quantum Computer More Powerful Than A Billion Connected Supercomputers

Tech giant IBM IBM has introduced an innovative quantum computing chip, “Heron” as it looks beyond silicon chips to usher in a new era of computing and artificial intelligence.

What Happened: IBM’s newly launched Quantum System Two is fueled by three “Heron” cryogenically cooled chips, promising to deliver more powerful and quicker systems than conventional silicon-based computers.

This significant development emerges amid intense technology competition with rivals like Microsoft Corp. MSFT, Alphabet Inc.’s GOOG GOOGL Google, and China’s Baidu Inc. BIDU, all vying to build machines that use quantum bits.

IBM says it has devised an innovative method for connecting chips within machines and then connecting these machines. When combined with a new error-correction code, this could pave the way for quantum machines by 2033.

“We are firmly within the era in which quantum computers are being used as a tool to explore new frontiers of science,” said Dario Gil, IBM's director of research.

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According to Gil, these quantum computers can solve problems in diverse sectors faster than any existing supercomputers, from physics to medicine.

IBM has already set up one of these new machines at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. The machine is expected to change the way proteins and their functions are understood, potentially transforming the field of medicine.

Why It Matters: Quantum computing represents a significant leap forward in processing power and speed. The technology can potentially revolutionize sectors from medicine to finance by rapidly solving complex problems that traditional computers would struggle with.

IBM’s new “Heron” chip and its innovative method for linking machines underlines the company’s commitment to setting new standards in the quantum computing landscape.

Furthermore, the placement of a Quantum System Two at the Cleveland Clinic demonstrates the practical applications of this technology and its potential to drive advancements in medical research.

Credit: Ryan Lavine for IBM

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