IBM says it’s reached milestone in quantum computing

IBM has announced that it has built the biggest quantum computer ever.

Dario Gil, who leads IBM’s quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI) research division, said Friday that the company’s scientists have successfully built and measured a processor prototype with 50 quantum bits, known as qubits.

Gil says it’s the first time any company has built a quantum computer at this scale.

The development marks a milestone in the company's race against Google and other big tech firms to develop a powerful system of quantum computing, a technology that’s still in its early phases.

It uses the quirks of quantum physics to perform calculations at far higher speeds than current computers.

IBM quantum computing Scientist Jay Gambetta uses a tablet to interact with the IBM Quantum Experience.

Seth Lloyd, an MIT mechanical engineering professor not involved in IBM’s research, says it’s likely that IBM still has glitches to work out but the 50-qubit announcement is a sign of significant progress.

(REUTERS)