IBM announced a major breakthrough in quantum processor technology with the introduction of the 133-qubit Quantum Heron, a device known for its significant improvement in error reduction. This launch is a key part of IBM’s strategy through 2033, which focuses on improving quantum gate operations and moving toward more advanced quantum computing systems with error correction capabilities.
During the IBM Quantum Summit event, the company revealed details about Quantum Heron, as well as updates to its standard quantum computing system, Quantum System Two. These innovations reflect IBM’s commitment to developing enterprise-oriented quantum solutions over the next decade.
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Quantum Heron features a unique modular architecture, developed over four years, allowing increased processing power to address the most complex problems. This processor has already been tested in several experimental applications, and is a central component in the first Quantum System Two, located in Yorktown Heights, New York.
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Quantum System Two’s design is modular and flexible, connecting multiple processors to form a cohesive system and using quantum communication to expand its processing capabilities.. This system is ready to host future quantum processors that exceed the thousand-qubit threshold, such as the Osprey and Condor models that IBM plans to launch in the future.
IBM’s expanded roadmap through 2033 focuses on improving the quality of quantum operations and the scalability of systems, moving from quantity to quality in qubits. This approach is reflected in the design of Quantum Heron and in plans for future processors such as Flamingo and Blue Jay, which represent a paradigm shift in terms of quantum gates and error correction.
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In the software space, IBM introduced innovations in Qiskit 1.0, an open source quantum programming software, with new features that make it easier to operate quantum circuits. Among them, Qiskit patterns and integration with Quantum Serverless enable efficient combination of quantum and classical computing in a variety of environments.
Additionally, IBM introduced generative AI models for quantum programming using watsonx, representing a step forward in automating quantum code development for Qiskit. According to Jay Gambetta, vice president and fellow at IBM, these advances are necessary to simplify the creation of quantum algorithms and their practical application.
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