The Q System One is a beautiful piece of technology, but the future of the IBM quantum computer is still a little away. In the grueling race to build such a real-world computer, technology companies are keeping their spirits up by loudly cheering each milestone, no matter how small. One of the loudest competitors is IBM, which recently presented the “Q System One” at CES. It is a 20-bit IBM quantum computer that is built for stability yet has an eye-catching design.
Quantum computation is considered one of the most promising technologies available today. This is primarily because computers such as quantum computers can process more data exponentially than conventional devices. For this reason, they have the potential to change entire industries in this direction. For example, they could streamline aerospace and military systems, calculate risk factors for better investments, or perhaps even find cures for cancer and other diseases.
“Data will be the world's most valuable natural resource,” the company's chairman said at the consumer electronics presentation in Las Vegas, where the company launched its Q System One. However, don't expect one of these to be in your office anytime soon. The computer is only available to paying customers. Developers can access machine power from their home or office via IBM Cloud.
The manufacturer proclaims its Q System as “the world’s first fully integrated universal quantum computing system designed for scientific and commercial purposes.” However, this is a description that requires a lot of context. The Q System One may be designed for commercial use, but it's not exactly ready for that yet.
IBM quantum computers like the Q System One are still very experimental devices. They cannot outperform classic computers at useful tasks. In fact, your laptop is probably more powerful when it comes to real-world calculations. However, it is more of a research tool. Let us calculate the effects of quantum building blocks step by step.
Innovative technology for specific purposes
Computers today store data in binary code. However, the IBM quantum computer is much more powerful because it stores data using cubes in such a way that zeros and units exist at the same time. This seemingly small thing allows such computers to carry out exponential calculations at once. This makes them powerful enough for incredibly complex tasks such as drug detection, intensive data analysis and even the generation of unbreakable codes.
This sleek computer is enclosed in a 2.7 meter high, 2.7 meter wide and 2.7 meter high glass room. The glass box manages to create a hermetic environment, with the quantum computer being the first attempt to import this technology into the business world. The so-called quites lose their properties outside of the specific conditions. The computer must also be stored in a vibration-free environment and sub-zero electromagnetic radiation.
The new system was designed to address this challenge with an integrated quantum computer. This will decide all of this on behalf of the customers - hence the hull that keeps everything in shape. However, this relative instability is the reason not to install IBM Q System One in your own office. This is definitely a big step forward. However, it doesn't mean that you can simply order the computer and have it delivered to your home.
Broad future for computers
“The IBM Q System One is an important step toward the commercialization of quantum computing,” said the senior vice president of Hybrid Cloud and director of IBM Research. “This new system is critical for expanding quantum computing outside the walls of the research laboratory while working to develop quantum applications for business and science.”
Later this year, the company will open its first Quantum Computing Center for customers in Beijing and New York. In this lab, people can use cloud-based quantum computing systems as well as other high-performance computing systems. IBM isn't the only company working on quantum computing while the technology isn't yet ready for mass deployment.
Google is also researching how quantum computers will be more robust and able to detect and correct errors. Microsoft is also working on developing hybrid quantum computers that combine new technologies with traditional processors. Intel is another giant that wants to have an equally large share of such computer processors.
