The quantum computer is still lying in a freezer in the lab, but the tech giants are already arguing about it. Technology giants such as Google, Microsoft and IBM are full of confidence in the development of quantum computing and are actively laying out this cutting-edge sector. Is quantum computing a technological revolution or just a passing gimmick? Can it really be a key force in shaping the future?
Quantum computing is an evolving field that is fundamentally different from traditional computing. While traditional computing processes information by qubits, which can only represent 0 or 1, quantum computing relies on qubits for computation. The magic of qubits is that they can be in a superposition of 0 and 1 at the same time, which means that multiple qubits can cooperate with each other, greatly increasing the speed and complexity of information processing.
In the field of quantum computing, there are two main technical routes: the universal gate model and the annealed quantum model. Big tech companies such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and IBM have invested heavily in general-gate model quantum computing, each employing different qubit technologies and strategies. D-Wave, on the other hand, is focused on annealing quantum technology, which can help businesses that want to optimize their operations. While there is still room for improvement in the annealing model, it is already capable of bringing business value to enterprises, unlike the generic door model, which is still in the R&D stage.
The application potential of quantum chips is huge, but there are also some controversies. Charina Chou, COO of Google's Quantum AI Division, said at the SXSW conference: "Quantum computers are capable of solving some problems that even artificial intelligence or supercomputers can't solve under ideal conditions. This idea involves two concepts: "quantum supremacy" and "quantum advantage". "Quantum supremacy" refers to the ability of quantum technology to complete complex computing tasks that are difficult for traditional computers to achieve; "Quantum advantage" means that quantum systems outperform traditional computing in some ways.
Figure: Google, Microsoft, IBM support quantum computing, can chips shine into reality in the future? (Source: CNBC)
The results of D-Wave and its partner institutions are impressive. In March, they released a groundbreaking report showing that their annealed quantum technology achieved "the first demonstration of the world's only quantum computing supremacy on a practical and valuable problem." The company completed simulations of magnetic materials in minutes, compared to nearly a million years with the same accuracy using a conventional supercomputer. Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave, noted that this technology will drive advancements in technologies such as smartphones and sensors. For example, in the medical field, this technology can help improve the ability to see inside the human body, which in turn can improve disease diagnosis. In addition, Baratz said that D-Wave's quantum computing technology is already in commercial use, and companies such as Mastercard, Japan's NTT Docomo, and Patterson Food Group are using the technology to optimize business operations. Although D-Wave's revenue is not high at the moment, with sales of just $1.9 million in the latest quarter, the potential for growth in this area should not be underestimated.
Charina Chou also highlighted the importance of quantum computing in the medical field. She mentioned that quantum computing can help to understand the changes within molecules, providing new ideas for overcoming diseases such as cancer. When it comes to drug discovery, the potential of quantum computing is equally enormous. Mandy Birch, CEO of quantum systems engineering company TreQ, believes that in the process of drug development, molecular dynamics are extremely complex and difficult to cope with traditional computational methods. Quantum computing, on the other hand, can simulate millions of molecular dynamics experiments in computer before conducting wet chemistry experiments and clinical trials, greatly increasing the probability of finding effective drugs. This will not only drive the growth of the pharmaceutical industry, but will also have a positive impact on sectors such as aerospace and defense.
In addition to drug discovery, quantum computing also has broad application prospects in other fields. Optimization in the logistics industry is one of them. Birch noted that if logistics companies such as FedEx and United Parcel could save 1% on fuel costs through quantum computing, it would bring significant economic benefits. At present, quantum computing technology has begun to be applied in port logistics optimization.
It is important to note that quantum computing often employs hybrid computing solutions in practical applications, working in tandem with supercomputers and artificial intelligence computers. While some of the tasks can be done by quantum computers alone, combined with the existing computing infrastructure, this hybrid model can more fully exploit the advantages of various computing technologies.
Despite the tremendous potential of quantum computing, there are still many challenges to achieving large-scale commercial applications. On the one hand, the technology itself needs to be further improved to improve the stability and computational accuracy of qubits. On the other hand, how to reduce costs and improve computing efficiency is also an urgent problem to be solved.
