  We propose a simple setup of Rydberg atoms in a honeycomb lattice which gives
rise to topologically protected edge states. The proposal is based on the
combination of dipolar exchange interaction, which couples the internal angular
momentum and the orbital degree of freedom of a Rydberg excitation, and a
static magnetic field breaking time reversal symmetry. We demonstrate that for
realistic experimental parameters, signatures of topologically protected edge
states are present in small systems with as few as 10 atoms. Our analysis paves
the way for the experimental realization of Rydberg systems characterized by a
topological invariant, providing a promising setup for future application in
quantum information.
