IBM launches Aachen, a 156-qubit quantum system powered by Heron r2 processor [London – United Kingdom] [English]

Author: Charlotte Trueman | Source: DataCenter Dynamics | Read the full article in English

IBM has recently made a significant leap forward in quantum computing with the launch of their new Aachen quantum system. Located in their European Quantum Data Center near Stuttgart, Germany, this cutting-edge system boasts 156 qubits powered by the advanced Heron r2 processor. This represents a major technological milestone for the company, which continues to push the boundaries of quantum computing capabilities.

The Aachen system is part of IBM's growing network of quantum computers, complementing their existing Strasbourg and Brussels systems. What makes this new system particularly impressive is its performance improvements over previous models. The Heron processor, first introduced in December 2023, offers a remarkable 3-5 times improvement in device performance and a five-fold reduction in computational errors compared to earlier processors.

As of early 2025, IBM has established 13 utility-scale quantum computers worldwide, with systems containing more than 100 qubits. The company has been a leader in quantum technology, having deployed nearly 80 quantum systems since 2016 – more than all other global competitors combined. This achievement underscores IBM's commitment to advancing quantum computing technology and making it more accessible through their IBM Quantum Cloud Platform.

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