We propose the use of quantum optical systems to perform universal simulation of quantum dynamics. Two specific implementations that require present technology are put forward for illustrative purposes. The first scheme consists of neutral atoms stored in optical lattices, while the second scheme consists of ions stored in an array of micro--traps. Each atom (ion) supports a two--level system, on which local unitary operations can be performed through a laser beam. A raw interaction between neighboring two--level systems is achieved by conditionally displacing the corresponding atoms (ions) Then, average Hamiltonian techniques are used to achieve evolutions in time according to a large class of Hamiltonians.
Emergent timescales in entangled quantum dynamics of ultracold molecules in optical lattices