International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE:IBM) has unveiled a new quantum computing chip and a modular computer that utilizes them at IBM Quantum Summit on Monday.
The company showcased the Quantum Systems Two Machine, which uses three connected Heron chips, and extended its quantum development roadmap to 2033. At that point, supercomputers should be robust enough to “unlock the full potential of quantum computing,” according to the roadmap.
Quantum computers can theoretically reach processing speeds much faster than conventional silicon-based computers because they use “quantum bits” that, unlike binary ones and zeros, can occupy the “superposition” of both at the same time, according to reports.
"We are firmly within the era in which quantum computers are being used as a tool to explore new frontiers of science," Director of Research Dario Gil said in a statement.
"As we continue to advance how quantum systems can scale and deliver value through modular architectures, we will further increase the quality of a utility-scale quantum technology stack – and put it into the hands of our users and partners who will push the boundaries of more complex problems."
However, quantum computers have struggled with data errors. That’s where IBM’s method of connecting chips inside computers, and connecting computers themselves, comes in.
IBM Quantum Heron is the company’s best-performing quantum processor to date, according to a statement, with up to a five-fold improvement in error reduction.
"You're going to have to tie them together," Gil said. "You're going to have to do many of these things together to be practical about it. Because if not, it's just a paper exercise."
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