On May 9, 2026, the Chinese company CAS Cold Atom Technology unveiled the Hanyuan-2, the world's first quantum computer with a dual-core architecture based on neutral atoms. With 200 qubits distributed across two independent sets of 100 rubidium atoms, this system promises to improve stability and scalability compared to traditional designs.
Dual atomic core for error correction and scaling 🧬
The Hanyuan-2 architecture allows for parallel work or a master-slave configuration. In the latter, the secondary core generates logical qubits for error correction, solving common problems such as interference between neighboring qubits. The system consumes less than 7 kW, uses laser cooling, and is installed in standard racks, avoiding the complex cryogenic systems of IBM or Google's superconducting computers.
No liquid helium and fewer watts than a hair dryer ⚡
While IBM and Google need quantum fridges the size of a cabinet to cool their qubits, the Hanyuan-2 operates with less energy than an industrial hair dryer. Of course, the rubidium atoms are still so finicky that they require laser tweezers to keep them from escaping. At least the electricity consumption won't make the accounting department cry.