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MIT advances scalable quantum computing networks

MIT researchers have developed a breakthrough quantum interconnect device that could significantly advance quantum computing by enabling direct communication between multiple quantum processors.

Unlike point-to-point architectures, which suffer from compounded error rates, their new ‘all-to-all’ communication system allows superconducting quantum processors to exchange quantum information efficiently using microwave photons.

By successfully demonstrating remote entanglement between two quantum processors, the researchers have taken a crucial step toward building large-scale quantum computing networks.

Their method involves using superconducting wires to shuttle photons, allowing quantum processors to remain entangled even when physically separate. However, this advancement paves the way for scalable quantum computing with higher flexibility and reduced error rates.

To maximise efficiency, the team employed reinforcement learning algorithms to optimise photon absorption, achieving over 60% absorption efficiency—enough to confirm successful entanglement.

Future improvements may involve refining photon pathways and integrating modules in 3D to further enhance performance. The research, supported by multiple US agencies and AWS, brings quantum computing closer to practical, large-scale implementation.

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Semiconductor design set for AI revolution with new Synopsys tool

Synopsys has introduced AgentEngineer, an AI-powered technology designed to streamline semiconductor design by automating complex engineering tasks.

The company, which provides software for chip design, aims to help engineers cope with increasing demands as semiconductor firms like Nvidia build advanced AI server systems with thousands of chips.

CEO Sassine Ghazi highlighted the growing pressure on engineers to manage complexity, meet tight deadlines, and control costs.

The AI-driven tool will initially assist human engineers by handling specific tasks, such as verifying circuit designs. Over time, it is expected to coordinate the development of intricate systems comprising multiple chips and components, ensuring efficient project delivery.

The company’s technology and development lead, Shankar Krishnamoorthy, emphasised that AI will be crucial in expanding research and development capacity without requiring larger engineering teams.

With the pace of AI computing accelerating, semiconductor companies face mounting challenges in chip design. Synopsys believes AI will play a critical role in overcoming these difficulties, making the process faster and more efficient.

The new technology is part of a broader industry shift toward AI-driven automation in engineering.

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Google and Apple risk fines under EU’s Digital Markets Act

Google has been charged with two violations of the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), while Apple has been ordered to allow greater interoperability with rival devices.

The European Commission accused Google of restricting app developers from promoting external offers outside its Play Store and favouring its own services, such as Google Flights, over competitors in search results. If found guilty, the company could face fines of up to 10% of its global annual revenue.

The Commission also directed Apple to make its iPhones and iPads more accessible to rival smartphone and accessory makers. Additionally, Apple must respond to app developers’ requests for interoperability with its systems within a set timeframe.

Both companies pushed back against the EU’s findings, with Google arguing that compliance could harm consumers and businesses, while Apple claimed the rules would slow innovation and unfairly benefit competitors.

Regulators have intensified their crackdown on Big Tech despite warnings from the United States government against targeting American firms.

Google has already been fined over €8 billion for previous antitrust violations in Europe, and failure to comply with the latest orders could lead to further penalties for both tech giants.

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Ampere Computing joins SoftBank in AI-focused expansion

SoftBank has announced a $6.5 billion acquisition of US chip startup Ampere Computing, marking a major step in its investment in AI infrastructure.

The deal, paid entirely in cash, reflects founder Masayoshi Son’s growing focus on AI as a transformative technology. Ampere produces data centre CPUs based on an architecture from SoftBank’s majority-owned Arm Holdings, with customers including Oracle.

The acquisition follows a series of multi-billion-dollar AI investments by SoftBank, including funding for OpenAI, the Stargate AI data centre project, and Cristal, an AI services joint venture in Japan.

Ampere, founded in 2018 by former Intel president Renee James, developed its own custom CPU cores—an approach typically seen in larger firms like Apple and Qualcomm.

Under SoftBank’s ownership, the company will operate alongside Arm, strengthening SoftBank’s growing collection of AI-focused chip technology firms.

Masayoshi Son described the move as part of his vision for ‘artificial super intelligence,’ highlighting the need for advanced computing power.

While SoftBank has seen mixed results in past investments, such as its troubled backing of WeWork, the company continues to place high-stakes bets on emerging technologies.

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AI-powered robot dog mimics human learning process

Swedish AI startup IntuiCell has introduced Luna, a robot dog with a functional digital nervous system that enables it to learn and adapt like humans and animals.

Unlike traditional AI models that rely on vast datasets and pre-training, Luna learns through real-world interactions.

The company has even hired a professional dog trainer to teach Luna how to walk, mimicking the way neurons process information in biological systems.

CEO Viktor Luthman described Luna as a breakthrough in AI, allowing machines to learn without requiring high-powered data centres or offline simulations.

The technology, he says, could eventually lead to advanced autonomous robots capable of operating in unpredictable environments such as space and deep-sea exploration.

Future iterations could assist in disaster response or even contribute to constructing habitats on Mars.

Founded as a spin-off from Lund University in 2020, IntuiCell has received funding from Sweden’s Navigare Ventures, Norway’s SNÖ Ventures, and the European Union.

The company believes that Luna’s capabilities could mark a significant step forward in the development of humanoid and autonomous robots, with applications far beyond current AI-powered machines.

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Apple faces EU crackdown over closed technology

The European Commission has ordered Apple to grant rival smartphone, headphone, and virtual reality companies access to its technology and mobile operating system.

The directive, part of the bloc’s Digital Markets Act, aims to curb the dominance of major tech firms and enhance competition. A separate mandate also requires Apple to establish a structured process for responding to interoperability requests from app developers.

Apple strongly criticised the decision, arguing that it places unfair constraints on its ability to innovate and benefits competitors without imposing the same restrictions on them.

Expressing concerns, the company warned that the new rules could negatively impact its products and European users, adding that the additional regulatory burden might slow progress.

The European Commission, however, dismissed Apple’s objections, stating that the order simply enforces existing laws and provides regulatory clarity.

Failure to comply could result in an investigation and potential fines of up to 10% of Apple’s global annual revenue. The ruling underscores the EU’s determination to rein in the power of Big Tech and ensure a more competitive digital market.

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AI firm Cognite targets India as global tech hub

Cognite, the Saudi Aramco-backed industrial software company, has launched an AI services centre in Bengaluru as part of its global expansion strategy.

The firm, which specialises in optimising industrial operations, is seeking contracts with major Indian conglomerates and has already secured deals with a leading cement manufacturer and a major automotive firm.

While declining to name the companies, Cognite’s executives confirmed significant investments in the Indian market, with plans for further expansion.

Chief Executive Girish Rishi described India as a key growth destination, highlighting its appeal as an alternative to China for global tech firms.

Cognite’s parent company, Aker ASA, and major shareholders like Saudi Aramco have been supporting its global push, as AI-driven solutions increasingly play a role in industrial automation, safety, and efficiency.

The company, which recently relocated its headquarters to the US, counts AkerBP, Japanese refiner Cosmo Energy Holdings, and US-based Koch Chemical among its major clients.

India’s rapidly expanding technology sector has drawn interest from several global giants, including Apple, Tesla, and Jabil, following the Indian government’s incentives to attract international firms.

With AI transforming industries worldwide, Cognite’s move signals growing confidence in India’s capabilities as a major player in the global tech ecosystem.

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EU faces pressure to boost semiconductor supply chain

Leading semiconductor firms are calling on the European Commission to introduce a follow-up to the 2023 EU Chips Act, arguing that a new policy must extend beyond manufacturing to include chip design, materials, and equipment.

Industry groups say the original programme, while encouraging investment, has failed to attract advanced chipmakers or build a competitive supply chain. Approval processes have also been criticised for being too slow, delaying key projects.

Following discussions in Brussels with European lawmakers, representatives from industry groups ESIA and SEMI Europe announced plans to formally request a ‘Chips Act 2.0’ from the Commission.

They argue that the EU must take decisive action to strengthen the entire semiconductor industry, including research and development as well as supplier subsidies.

European Parliament Member Oliver Schenk highlighted how other regions, such as Taiwan, have successfully integrated suppliers into their chip manufacturing ecosystem, whereas Europe still lacks such cohesion.

The meeting included major semiconductor companies such as NXP, Infineon, Bosch, and STMicroelectronics, alongside equipment makers ASML, ASM, and Zeiss.

Meanwhile, a coalition of nine EU countries has pledged to work with the Commission to strengthen Europe’s semiconductor capabilities.

The Commission has yet to outline specific plans, but it has previously stated its intention to launch investment initiatives this year, particularly in artificial intelligence and technology.

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Data centre surge exposes vulnerabilities in the US grid

A recent incident in Data Center Alley, a region outside Washington DC housing over 200 data centres, exposed a new vulnerability in the US power grid.

Last summer, 60 data centres unexpectedly disconnected from the grid and switched to on-site generators, causing a surge in excess electricity. However, this triggered the need for grid operators to scale back power output to avoid cascading outages.

The disconnection event, caused by a failed surge protector, forced regulators to address the growing risk of power imbalances due to the rapid expansion of data centres, especially those involved in AI and crypto mining.

As these centres consume increasing amounts of energy, grid operators face new challenges in maintaining stability.

Federal regulators like the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) are now studying the impact of such events and the risks posed by unannounced data centre disconnections.

The power consumption of data centres has tripled over the last decade and is projected to continue rising, prompting calls for updated reliability standards.

Industry stakeholders, including major tech companies, have expressed concerns about the potential costs and risks of requiring data centres to remain connected during voltage fluctuations.

With the growing presence of large data users, grid operators face a tough balancing act to ensure power stability while accommodating the demands of the data centre industry.

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Nvidia CEO predicts humanoid robots will revolutionise manufacturing

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang believes that humanoid robots will soon be widely used in manufacturing, possibly within the next five years.

Speaking at the company’s annual developer conference, Huang unveiled new software tools designed to improve robots’ ability to navigate the world.

Huang stated that the manufacturing industry would likely lead the way in adopting humanoid robots, due to its controlled environment and well-defined tasks.

He emphasised the economic value, with robots potentially costing around $100,000 to rent, making them a good investment.

The CEO’s predictions highlight the growing role of AI in automation, with Huang confident that humanoid robots will soon be an integral part of factory operations.

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