Quantum computing is the stuff of science fiction movies, but it is very real. These powerful machines utilize qubits, tiny units that, unlike regular computer bits, are not confined to just 0 or 1; they can be both at the same time. Hence they can solve some super hard problems super fast. At present, however, quantum computers are not even close to being ready for regular use; they need more qubits and less errors. But Microsoft, Google, and IBM are all working hard on this.
Recent Progress
Big progress is recent news. Microsoft and Quantinuum have announced they know how to correct qubit errors without disturbing the machine in the magazine Physical Review Applied this Monday. This automaton error detection (and correction) code can help quantum computers become more reliable, say the experts. This is going to initiate a technology race between techie mammoths. Even though it is so early, billions are gushing. It has the potential to completely flip several fields; be it medicine or money, the promise of a leap is immense. Here are 10 key applications and instances to know.
1. Improving AI
Quantum computing could grow with AI and vice versa. More advanced quantum technology might enhance our comprehension of quantum phenomena. Then, quantum computers will be able to identify patterns in data much faster than classical computers could ever do. A team from IBM did the testing. They used qubits on a quantum computer to solve a data sorting task. The linked qubits reduced errors by half compared to unlinked qubits. This might lead to far more intelligent forms of AI; for example, personal voice assistants that understand and execute actions at once, almost real video game characters.
Hybrid Approach
Rigetti Computing’s quantum-classical machine is made up of 19 qubits and regular computing and helped to run machine learning and the operation was faster. The hybrid techniques were classified by scientists as “one of the most promising directions for overcoming significant challenges in contemporary AI.” They added: “We may expect to witness quicker AI learning that makes fewer mistakes” in the not-so-distant future.
2. Creating Better Batteries
Strong batteries that are long-lasting are required by electric cars. Quantum computing will allow designing them by simulating how battery chemicals work. In 2018, Daimler partnered with Google and IBM to model battery cells better. This will be possible and would result in batteries that charge much faster and are more energy-rich.
Why It Matters
Testing batteries takes time and money. Quantum simulations could speed this up. Better batteries equal more people driving green cars. It cuts down on the pollution from gas vehicles.
3. Cleaner Fertilizer
Farmers use fertilizer to feed crops. The majority of it derives from a method known as the Haber process. It involves heating air so as to synthesize ammonia. However, it is highly energy-intensive, consuming about 3% of the global energy supply and produces over 1% of the total amount of greenhouse gases. Some bacteria do this naturally without causing any harm while some bacteria simply cannot do it.
Quantum’s Role
Quantum computers might reveal the secret. A key molecule for the simulation was found by Microsoft researchers in 2017. We can model the way nature does if only enough qubits are used. This saves energy and is anti-global warming. And farmers get the same food with less damage to the Earth.
4. Strengthening Cybersecurity
Quantum computers are going to break all the old codes. They are the fast solvers of math problems, which is the only way we can keep our info safe online. This is what freaked out the experts in 2019. But the current machines just make too many errors to crack real codes.
Quantum-Safe Solutions
Five years has been shaved from the time it takes to develop new drugs. That’s a huge, cool Radix: more efficient quantum computing. Pharmaceutical firms can thank NIST for the quantum-safe standards, allowing for easier cloud access.
5. Speeding Up Drug Development
Developing new medicines is a mammoth task of envisioning protein folding and function. A quantum technology company, ProteinQure, from Toronto, is using just that: quantum tech to design drugs in collaboration with IBM, Microsoft, and drug manufacturers such as AstraZeneca.
Why It’s Faster
The old ways have been to test chemicals through trial and error. Quantum proteins exactly. A simple drug like penicillin would require a huge ‘regular’ computer. The quantum ones do it with ease. This may cure tough diseases such as cancer or Alzheimer’s, and more quickly: lives saved, costs down.
6. Discovering New Electronic Materials
Quantum rules control small electronics. Simulating them on classical computers can be a headache. Quantum tech changes that. It could find new materials for chips that run much faster or screens that are way better.
Impact on Tech
This is driven by companies like IBM. Better materials equal smaller and more powerful devices. Smartphones, laptops – you name it but without the big power use.
7. Improving Financial Modeling
Banks deal with risks and chances every day. JPMorgan Chase recently signed on to the IBM Q Network. They model financial markets as quantum events. It fits perfectly.
Quantum Advantage
Monte Carlo method ‘guesses’ the outcomes. Quantum ‘guesses’ them very fast. Quantum pricing of 2019 IBM-JPMorgan paper. Traders make better choices. Less risk translates into safer money for everyone.
8. Optimizing Traffic Flow
Cities have bad traffic. Quantum solves “traveling salesman” puzzles – finding the shortest paths. Volkswagen tested this with D-Wave. They eased bus routes in Lisbon in 2018.
Real-World Results
Solar energy collectors (based on the transfer of light into electric signals) were designed in beams of Barcelona & Beijing. Quantum manages its travelling routes efficiently. Less time is wasted being stuck in traffic, less gas is burnt and… cleaner air and happier drivers.
9. Better Solar Energy Capture
From the sun to the solar cell and then to power – much is dissipated on the way. Quantum simulations have discovered a much better mode for trapping light so that this clean energy can be boosted. It’s what researchers use to fine-tune materials. More sunlight power means less coal and a huge fight against global warming.
10. Better Weather and Climate Prediction
New Methods
The weather is messy. Supercomputers predict at present but are frequently mistaken. Quantum deals with many things together. Ray Johnson of Rigetti thinks this fits the complexity of the weather.
Why It Helps
In 2022, tests were hopeful. More accurate predictions save lives in hurricanes. Climate models help plan for the heating. Governments would act wiser on ‘green’ policies.
Leading the Charge
This is pushed from many firms doing this. IBM New York builds qubit machines. Redmond” fixes the bugs in Microsoft. Water is simulated for hydrogen fuel by IonQ Maryland 2019 they sent tech to space for NASA Inflation Colorado uses cold atoms for stable qubits Their gear hit the International Space Station Volkswagen in Germany tests traffic tools ProteinQure in Canada pushes drugs These teams show quantum’s real-world spark
Conclusion
Quantum computing is not here but very close to the material. It solves problems that today are untouchable, and, from a perspective of health or the environment, it does offer a much brighter future. Watch this space, as it is heating up.
