World’s first scalable photonic quantum computer, ‘world’s first’ secure hardware against quantum threats, new firefighting robot

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Scientists have been trying to develop photonic quantum computers, an advanced computing concept that uses mirrors, beam splitters, and optical fibers to manipulate photons.

Canada-based quantum computing company Xanadu has created the world’s first scalable and networked photonic quantum computer prototype.

“It is the very first time we—or anyone, for that matter—have combined all the subsystems necessary to implement universal and fault-tolerant quantum computation in a photonic architecture.” the Xanadu team said. Delve deeper into our Must-Read.

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🖥️ World’s first scalable, networked photonic quantum computer prototype unveiled

Xanadu calls their photonic quantum computer Aurora. It is a 12-qubit system developed using four independent modular server racks, which in total comprise 35 photonic chips and 13-km (8-mile) long fiber optics. The best part is that this entire system operates in room-temperature conditions.

Aurora’s makers claim that it is highly scalable and equipped with everything needed to perform fault-tolerant quantum computing operations.

It currently works like a baby data center but, in principle, it could “be scaled up to thousands of server racks and millions of qubits today, realizing the ultimate goal of a big quantum data center,” the Xanadu team notes.

⚡️ Swiss firm launches ‘world’s first’ secure hardware against quantum threats

SEALSQ, a Swiss semiconductor company, is leading the charge in post-quantum cryptography by unveiling the “world’s first” quantum-resistant secure hardware.

The Swiss company specializes in integrated solutions using semiconductors, PKI, and provisioning services, while also developing post-quantum technology hardware and software.

Most encryption today acts like a lock that future quantum computers could break. SEALSQ’s new technology creates a lock strong enough to resist both current and quantum computer attacks. This is crucial because quantum computers could eventually breach today’s secure systems, putting sensitive data and financial transactions at risk.

🔥 Britain’s firefighting robot that can spray 2,000 liters of water a minute enters service

A fire and rescue service in the United Kingdom has added a firefighting robot to its equipment. The new piece of technology will also be used by Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) to protect firefighters.

The robot will likely be sent into large incidents, such as fires at industrial and commercial sites, which are particularly difficult and risky to help give firefighters a better understanding of what they’re dealing with.

The robot has thermal capabilities to detect fire hotspots. The innovative system, which can record videos, uses audio to speak to people. It can also give instructions and can even help remove people from areas with a stretcher. KFRS also revealed that the robot could help fight the fires with a hose attachment that can spray up to 2,000 liters of water a minute.  

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