Japan Announces Installation of Second Quantum Computer

Insider Brief

• Fujitsu and research institute Riken have unveiled Japan’s second quantum computer.
• The device is a 64-qubit machine.
• The organizations plan to integrate their newly developed quantum computer with a 40 qubit quantum computer simulator.
• Image: RIKEN

Fujitsu and research institute Riken have unveiled Japan’s second quantum computer, boasting 64 qubits, as part of the global effort to make quantum computing practical, according to Reuters.

This milestone in quantum computing development will see Fujitsu and the state-backed Riken institute integrating their newly developed quantum computer with a 40 qubit quantum computer simulator, the news service reported. The primary aim of this integration is to tackle the persistent challenge of eliminating errors that have hampered the ability of quantum systems to provide accurate results.

Shintaro Sato, the head of Fujitsu’s quantum laboratory, emphasized the magnitude of the achievement while acknowledging the long road ahead.

“It’s kind of a first or second step, we still have a long way to go,” Sato told reporters.

Governments and leading tech companies such as IBM and Alphabet have been actively investing in quantum computing research. Reuters points out that these quantum machines hold the promise of outperforming the fastest supercomputers. IBM, for instance, made headlines last year with the launch of a 433 qubit quantum computer, showcasing the rapid advancement in quantum computing capabilities.

Quantum bits, or qubits, are the fundamental units of quantum computing and are integral to the extraordinary processing power of these machines, leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics.

Thee successful development of Japan’s second quantum computer represents a crucial step forward and adds another name among nations in the race to become global leaders in quantum technology.