IBM Launches Aachen, a 156-Qubit Quantum System, Powered by Heron R2 Processor

IBM launches Aachen,, a powerful quantum system marking a significant leap in the company’s quantum technology journey. The system, boasting 156 qubits, is powered by IBM’s Heron R2 processor, a cutting-edge advancement that promises enhanced performance and greater error correction capabilities.

David Faller, Managing Director of IBM Germany R&D, shared the news via a LinkedIn post, emphasizing the importance of the system and its role in the company’s quantum computing portfolio. The Aachen quantum system is now available to IBM’s clients through the IBM Quantum Cloud Platform, hosted at the company’s European Quantum Data Center located just south of Stuttgart, Germany.

Faller noted that Aachen complements IBM’s existing quantum systems, Strasbourg and Brussels, which were launched in June 2024, each featuring 127 qubits powered by the Eagle processor generation. With Aachen, IBM takes a major step forward in quantum computing, offering a faster and more powerful system, setting it apart as one of the fastest quantum systems in the company’s current fleet.

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One of the standout features of the Aachen quantum system is its use of the IBM Quantum Heron processor, a milestone in the company’s ongoing efforts to push the boundaries of quantum computing. Unveiled in December 2023, the Heron processor marked a considerable improvement over its predecessor, the 127-qubit Eagle processor. IBM claims the Heron processor delivers up to a 3-5x improvement in device performance, as well as a five-fold reduction in error rates compared to the Eagle processors.

The installation and calibration of the new Heron chip was made possible thanks to the efforts of IBM’s German Quantum hardware team, based at the company’s R&D lab in Böblingen. Faller took a moment to acknowledge the team’s hard work and dedication in making Aachen a reality, calling the installation a tremendous success.

IBM has been a pioneer in the field of quantum computing, with 13 utility-scale quantum systems currently operational across its global data centers, including locations in Poughkeepsie, New York, and Germany. These systems, each containing more than 100 qubits, form the backbone of IBM’s ambitious goal to advance quantum computing and make it more accessible to clients worldwide.

In total, IBM claims to have deployed nearly 80 quantum systems since 2016, outpacing the rest of the world in terms of deployment volume. This impressive track record has positioned the company as a leader in the quantum computing space.

The quantum systems at IBM are not just research-focused; they are operational and accessible through the IBM Quantum Cloud Platform, allowing companies and researchers to leverage the power of quantum computing for real-world applications. With the new Aachen system, IBM continues to expand its offerings, providing its customers with cutting-edge technology for tackling some of the most complex computational challenges.

In terms of business growth, IBM’s quantum division has seen significant momentum. According to reports, the company has approached $1 billion in signings from its quantum business unit, a milestone achieved between Q1 2017 and Q4 2024. This financial backing underscores the growing interest and investment in quantum computing, positioning IBM to play a key role in shaping the future of this transformative technology.

As quantum computing continues to evolve, IBM’s latest advancements with the Aachen system and the Heron R2 processor signal a new chapter in the company’s quantum computing journey—one that promises to drive both innovation and commercial success in the years to come.