Researchers from tech giant IBM (IBM) have created a new decoder algorithm for quantum computing called Relay-BP, which they claim performs better than all existing methods for detecting and fixing errors. This breakthrough could be a major step toward building scalable and fault-tolerant quantum computers. In testing, Relay-BP was up to 10 times more accurate than previous approaches and used fewer computing resources, thereby addressing one of the biggest challenges in making quantum systems reliable for real-world use.
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It is worth noting that quantum computers are extremely prone to errors because their basic units, called qubits, are fragile and easily disrupted by noise or imperfections. Traditional error-correction methods are either slow, require too much computing power, or struggle to provide consistent results. Relay-BP improves a method called belief propagation by adding “memory strengths,” which allows parts of the algorithm to treat past information differently. This helps the system avoid common problems, work faster, and stay compact enough to run on specialized hardware like field-programmable gate arrays.
Interestingly, Relay-BP was created with IBM’s combined expertise in physics, software engineering, and mathematics. In addition, researchers are preparing to test it on upcoming IBM quantum systems, starting with stabilizing quantum memory and later moving to full quantum operations. While it may not be the final solution, Relay-BP represents a big step toward real-time error correction and brings the industry closer to practical and large-scale quantum computing.
Is IBM a Buy, Sell, or Hold?
Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Moderate Buy consensus rating on IBM stock based on seven Buys, four Holds, and one Sell assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. Furthermore, the average IBM price target of $297.33 per share implies 18.8% upside potential.
