Latest news with #Fujitsu
Euronews
11 hours ago
- Science
- Euronews
How Japan built the largest-class superconducting quantum computer
Researchers in Japan have developed the world's largest-class superconducting quantum computer. Several hardware types are used to build quantum computers, which use subatomic particles called qubits to increase computing capabilities.. Among them, superconducting quantum computers are the most widely tested, with companies like Google, IBM and Rigetti leading in this technology. The higher the number of qubits, the greater the potential computing power. However, other factors such as noise and error mitigation methods are also essential for building a practical quantum computer. The new quantum system developed by researchers at the Japanese National Research and Development Agency, RIKEN, in collaboration with the Japanese IT giant, Fujitsu, has 256 qubits. For comparison, Google's Sycamore quantum processor uses 70 qubits. IBM has a 1,121-qubit processor called Condor, but it's not broadly available for external users. It is widely thought that it would take one million quibits to realise quantum's full potential. Not only did the researchers deploy one of the largest class superconducting quantum computers, but they also managed to quadruple the density of the qubits by fitting 256 qubits into the casing used for the previous generation quantum computer that used 64 qubits. Researchers credit this fourfold increase in density to a combination of high-density integration technology and an advanced thermal design. They assembled 4-qubit 'unit cells' side by side and layered the connected cells in three dimensions, a technique known as a 3D connection structure. 'Using this structure, we can scale the quantum chip without design change… We can make any size qubit chip using a 3D connect structure,' Yoshiyasu Doi, Senior Researcher, RIKEN RQC-FUJITSU Collaboration Centre, told Euronews Next. Fujitsu says the technique enables efficient scaling of qubits without requiring complex redesigns. Quantum computers must operate in extreme cold temperatures, and larger qubits typically need more space due to heat generation. The new 256-qubit system, housed at the RIKEN RQC-FUJITSU Collaboration Centre in Wako, Japan, includes a cooling system that can reach temperatures as low as 20 millikelvin, close to absolute zero, the coldest temperature possible in nature. 'To implement a larger number of components, thermal heat is a very difficult problem…in the new design, we can reduce the power of the amplifier by over 60 per cent. Heat balance is very important to build a larger system,' said Doi. When building a quantum system, every qubit needs an input and output connection. Scaling entails more complex packaging, cabling, and cryogenic infrastructure to manage those connections. 'One of the key advancements that Fujitsu is demonstrating here is the cabling side, getting into a higher density,' Jonathan Burnett, the deputy director for research at the National Quantum Computing Centre in the United Kingdom, told Euronews Next. While American companies such as IBM and AWS have developed similar high-density cabling and integration, no European group currently has a deployed system with this level of cable density, Burnett says. 'Europe-wide, this would be quite a leap against [it]'. Fujitsu says it aims to launch a 1,000-qubit computer in 2026. 'A 1,000 qubit system is a very cost-consuming device. So at first we have to make the technologies to build such a bigger system… Using this dense design, we can build a larger system, like the 1,000 qubit system,' Doi said. Experts say that scaling is critical to advance the benefits of superconducting quantum computers. 'You start to encounter novel problems… that might only occur because you're trying to do 10 things at once and therefore you don't encounter it if you're never working at that size,' Burnett says. 'The impressive thing that does come from what physics Fujitsu is working on is actually encountering those genuine problems of scale that do come from ultimately operating a kind of larger number,' he added. However, ensuring the quality of qubits is as important as the quantity of qubits. Accessible for research institutions and companies globally The new 256-qubit quantum computer is accessible via a cloud platform for companies and research institutions to run complicated calculations. 'Hybrid quantum platform with this machine and quantum simulator. And we provide such a system to our customers, to our collaborators, such as research institutes all over the world,' Doi said. Fujitsu says it's currently working with four companies in Japan, covering industries from finance to chemicals, and aims to expand these collaborations globally. Other partnerships exist, but the company has not disclosed specific details for confidentiality reasons. Quantum computers hold the promise of advancing drug research, finance, and the discovery of new materials thanks to their unprecedented computing capabilities. However, there is broad agreement within the industry that the journey to fully practical quantum computing remains a long one. One million qubits is often seen as the threshold for fault-tolerant, large-scale quantum computing to solve truly practical and complex problems. In 2023, the UK outlined its Quantum Mission 1 as part of a national roadmap toward useful quantum computing. It estimates that around one million physical qubits will be needed to run real-world algorithms like Shor's, which is often used as a benchmark. However, experts concur that smaller systems are crucial stepping stones. 'We have to proceed [with] quantum technology step by step. To solve practical problems, we have to build a one-million-cubic system…So, in that sense, to develop the 1,000 qubit system is one of the steps,' Doi said. For more on this story, watch the video in the media player above.
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
CEM Africa Summit 2025: Leading the future of customer experience with AI innovation
The CEM Africa Summit 2025 is set to redefine the future of customer experience (CX) by placing artificial intelligence (AI) at the heart of the conversation. With the rapid evolution of AI technologies, the summit will bring together thought leaders, innovators, and industry experts to explore how AI is transforming CX across industries such as finance, retail, and telecoms. This year's summit, taking place from 12 to 14 August, will feature an impressive lineup of speakers who are at the forefront of AI and CX. Notable figures include: - Ben Phillips, head of Customer Experience Performance Centre, Fujitsu - Daryl Wilkes, director of Customer Care, - Tatiana Ndluvo, executive head: Marketing Nedbank Africa Region, Nedbank - Gedeon Rossouw, head of Client Care, Absa - Marnitz Van Heerden, head of Customer Experience, Discovery - Francois Retief, head of Customer Experience, FNB As a hub for senior CX and operational leaders, CEM Africa Summit will showcase cutting-edge AI applications that are reshaping how companies interact with their customers. With over 700 senior leaders from across Africa's leading industries in attendance, the summit offers a unique opportunity to explore how AI solutions can enhance personalisation, predict customer needs, and streamline service delivery. Key Highlights of CEM Africa Summit 2025 - AI-driven CX strategy sessions: Learn from global leaders on how AI is transforming customer service, improving operational efficiencies, and personalising experiences at scale. - Workshops on implementing AI tools in CX management, from chatbots to data analytics, with hands-on demonstrations from tech providers. - Networking opportunities with decision-makers in CX and technology, helping brands connect with partners, suppliers, and key customers across industries. Agenda insights The CEM Africa Summit 2025 will feature a series of forward-looking panels and workshops focused on AI in CX. Attendees can look forward to discussions on: - Harnessing AI for real-time customer insights: How AI-powered analytics can help businesses understand customer behaviour and tailor experiences in real time. - AI and automation in contact centres: Exploring how AI is streamlining customer interactions and empowering agents with intelligent tools for faster resolution. - Ethics of AI in customer experience: A panel of industry leaders will discuss the ethical implications of AI in customer service, focusing on data privacy, algorithmic transparency, and human-centric AI design. "We are excited to bring together thought leaders who are shaping the future of AI in customer experience,' said Terry Southam, group portfolio director at Vuka Group. "The CEM Africa Summit 2025 will provide our audience with the knowledge and tools to adopt AI solutions that will transform their businesses and enhance their customer interactions." CEM Africa Summit 2025 is a must-attend event for any business leader looking to stay ahead in the AI-powered future of customer experience. For more information on speakers, sessions, and how to attend, visit About CEM Africa Summit The CEM Africa Summit is Africa's premier event focused on customer experience and digital transformation. The summit brings together CX leaders, technology providers, and operational experts to explore the latest trends, technologies, and strategies in customer experience. With a focus on innovation, AI, and digital disruption, the event offers a platform for collaboration, learning, and networking.
Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Fujitsu unveils AI-powered presentation technology, enabling automated multilingual and customizable presentations
Fujitsu AI Auto Presentation supports creation of presentations in over 30 languages and will be available as a Microsoft 365 Copilot AI agent KAWASAKI, Japan, June 19, 2025 /CNW/ -- Fujitsu Limited today announced the development of a new technology which enables AI avatars to carry out presentations and handle audience questions. The technology, a core component of Fujitsu's AI service Fujitsu Kozuchi, automatically generates and carries out presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint presentation data and provides answers to audience questions based on materials pre-integrated into a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) process. Starting June 19, 2025, Fujitsu will begin offering a trial environment on the Fujitsu Research Portal for corporate customers to try the technology. Through joint development with Headwaters Co., Ltd., an AI solutions company, this technology will also be offered as Microsoft 365 Copilot AI agent "Fujitsu AI Auto Presentation." Fujitsu will utilize the technology within the company from the second quarter of FY 2025 and begin providing it to customers around the world from the third quarter. Users will be able to create AI avatars using their own likeness and voice, and have them generate presentations automatically in over 30 languages, making it possible for anybody to utilize the technology without requiring specialist knowledge. Going forward, Fujitsu AI Auto Presentation will also be available directly via Microsoft Teams and PowerPoint. By democratizing the presentation process and allowing anybody to deliver presentations irrespective of time constraints, language level, presentation aptitude, and other factors, Fujitsu will empower organizations to share accurate and high quality information and improve operational efficiency, thereby contributing to the development of a digital society, a key essential contribution of its materiality. Other Fujitsu AI Auto Presentation features 1. Autonomous slide transition with time allocation (international patent pending) Fujitsu AI Auto Presentation generates presentation text based on the number of characters for each slide and time limit instructions and changes slides at the appropriate time. 2. Customizable presentation content generation Leveraging voice recognition, large language model (LLM), and voice synthesis technology, the content presented by the AI avatar can be controlled on a slide-by-slide basis by inputting prompts. Various customizations are possible, including automatically generated text, fixed text, insertion of specified text, and control over writing style.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Fujitsu awarded contract to design next-generation flagship supercomputer FugakuNEXT
Accelerating scientific and technological innovation with Made-in-Japan CPU technology KAWASAKI, Japan, June 18, 2025 /CNW/ -- Fujitsu Limited today announced that it has been awarded a contract by the Japanese research and development institute RIKEN to design a next-generation flagship supercomputer. The contract for the supercomputer, provisionally named "FugakuNEXT," encompasses the overall system, computing nodes, and CPU components and the basic design phase is scheduled to run until February 27, 2026. Supporting Japan's leadership in science and technology with a next-generation computing platform The rapid growth of generative AI and other technologies is driving increased demand for diverse and large-scale computing resources for R&D. According to a report by the HPCI Steering Committee established by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the importance of "AI for Science," i.e., initiatives that combine AI with simulation technology, real-time data, and automated experiments, is increasing, prompting nations to prioritize advanced computing infrastructure. Japan needs a new, flexible platform that will address these evolving demands, enable its leadership in science, technology, and innovation and facilitate further societal and industrial advancement. The HPCI Program Steering Committee has chosen RIKEN as the primary entity responsible for developing this platform, and RIKEN has chosen Fujitsu to design it. Building a foundation for future innovation with advanced CPU design FugakuNEXT will leverage Fujitsu's established supercomputing expertise, incorporating advanced technologies from the FUJITSU-MONAKA3 general-purpose CPU currently under development, and will cater to evolving customer needs by allowing for seamless integration with GPUs and other accelerators. FUJITSU-MONAKA, built on leading-edge 2-nanometer technology, employs Fujitsu's unique technologies, including a microarchitecture optimized for advanced 3D packaging and ultra-low voltage circuit operation. It aims to deliver both high performance and power efficiency across diverse next-generation computing applications, from edge computing to data centers, while ensuring safety, security, and ease of use. The successor CPU to FUJITSU-MONAKA, tentatively named "FUJITSU-MONAKA-X," intended for use in FugakuNEXT, will not only inherit and accelerate existing Fugaku application assets but also incorporate state-of-the-art AI processing acceleration capabilities to meet growing AI demands. This CPU is intended for broad application across sectors supporting society and industry, extending beyond its role in FugakuNEXT. Through its core, Made-in-Japan CPU technology, Fujitsu will continue to deliver innovation and build trust, contributing to a world-class computing infrastructure and advancing Japanese science and technology. For full release click here View original content: SOURCE Fujitsu Limited View original content: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Cision Canada
3 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Fujitsu awarded contract to design next-generation flagship supercomputer FugakuNEXT
Accelerating scientific and technological innovation with Made-in-Japan CPU technology KAWASAKI, Japan, June 18, 2025 /CNW/ -- Fujitsu Limited today announced that it has been awarded a contract by the Japanese research and development institute RIKEN to design a next-generation flagship supercomputer. The contract for the supercomputer, provisionally named "FugakuNEXT," encompasses the overall system, computing nodes, and CPU components and the basic design phase is scheduled to run until February 27, 2026. Supporting Japan's leadership in science and technology with a next-generation computing platform The rapid growth of generative AI and other technologies is driving increased demand for diverse and large-scale computing resources for R&D. According to a report by the HPCI Steering Committee established by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the importance of "AI for Science," i.e., initiatives that combine AI with simulation technology, real-time data, and automated experiments, is increasing, prompting nations to prioritize advanced computing infrastructure. Japan needs a new, flexible platform that will address these evolving demands, enable its leadership in science, technology, and innovation and facilitate further societal and industrial advancement. The HPCI Program Steering Committee has chosen RIKEN as the primary entity responsible for developing this platform, and RIKEN has chosen Fujitsu to design it. Building a foundation for future innovation with advanced CPU design FugakuNEXT will leverage Fujitsu's established supercomputing expertise, incorporating advanced technologies from the FUJITSU-MONAKA3 general-purpose CPU currently under development, and will cater to evolving customer needs by allowing for seamless integration with GPUs and other accelerators. FUJITSU-MONAKA, built on leading-edge 2-nanometer technology, employs Fujitsu's unique technologies, including a microarchitecture optimized for advanced 3D packaging and ultra-low voltage circuit operation. It aims to deliver both high performance and power efficiency across diverse next-generation computing applications, from edge computing to data centers, while ensuring safety, security, and ease of use. The successor CPU to FUJITSU-MONAKA, tentatively named "FUJITSU-MONAKA-X," intended for use in FugakuNEXT, will not only inherit and accelerate existing Fugaku application assets but also incorporate state-of-the-art AI processing acceleration capabilities to meet growing AI demands. This CPU is intended for broad application across sectors supporting society and industry, extending beyond its role in FugakuNEXT. Through its core, Made-in-Japan CPU technology, Fujitsu will continue to deliver innovation and build trust, contributing to a world-class computing infrastructure and advancing Japanese science and technology.
