Technology 7/18: Denmark builds the world's most powerful quantum computer

Denmark joins hands with Microsoft to build the world's most powerful quantum computer

The Danish government has just announced the QuNorth project, in cooperation with Microsoft and Atom Computing (California, USA) to build the first level 2 quantum system in Northern Europe — named Magne, after Norse mythology.

The system will have around 50 logical qubits (qubits are the basic units of quantum computing) and more than 1,200 physical qubits, surpassing the benchmarks of current competitors. This is the first time a device has combined both records: the highest number of logical qubits and the largest number of physical qubits, something that has never been seen before in the quantum machine market.

Quantum computers can solve problems that far exceed the most powerful conventional computers. (Source: Nextweb)

Logical qubits are made up of multiple physical qubits, which reduces errors and increases stability when performing quantum computations. Level 2 systems are capable of self-correcting errors, which is an important step toward achieving a “quantum advantage” — where quantum machines outperform traditional computers in solving real-world problems.

Expected impact Quantum machines are expected to create breakthroughs in many fields such as new drug discovery, climate modeling or cryptography.

The project is funded by €80 million from the EIFO Investment Fund and the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Microsoft will provide the Azure Quantum software, while Atom Computing will be responsible for the hardware, which will be designed as a “neutral atom.” The computer will be located in Copenhagen and will be fully owned by Denmark. Construction is expected to begin in autumn 2025 and the project will be operational by late 2026 or early 2027.

Baidu partners with Uber to deploy self-driving cars globally

Chinese tech firm Baidu and US ride-hailing service Uber have announced a multi-year partnership to deploy thousands of Baidu's Apollo Go self-driving cars on the Uber platform in markets outside the US and mainland China.

The initial rollout is expected to take place in Asia and the Middle East later this year. When users request a ride on Uber, they will be able to select a fully self-driving car from Apollo Go if they qualify.

Self-driving taxis operate in Shenzhen, China. (Source: Chinadailly)

Baidu currently has more than 1,000 self-driving cars operating in 15 cities, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. “This cooperation is a milestone in expanding the scale of autonomous driving technology globally,” CEO Robin Li said.

A city government in the US pioneers the application of AI in its operations.

Mayor Matt Mahan is pushing the envelope with artificial intelligence in San Jose, USA. His team often uses ChatGPT to prepare content for community events such as restaurant openings, festivals, etc.

To date, the city has spent more than $35,000 to purchase 89 ChatGPT accounts for employees, at a cost of about $400 per account.

Mayor Matt Mahan, San Jose, USA during a working session. (Source: AP)

Mahan’s goal is to train about 1,000 of the city’s 7,000 employees to use AI effectively by next year. In one example, traffic officers used ChatGPT to win a $12 million grant for an electric vehicle charging station project.

Despite his optimism, the Mayor stressed: “ AI cannot replace humans. The results of the checks still require close supervision from actual human beings.”

Minh Hoan

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/cong-nghe-18-7-dan-mach-xay-dung-may-tinh-luong-tu-manh-nhat-the-gioi-ar954981.html