IBM's quantum computer could change the game, and not just because you can play Battleship on it
Developing new synthetic materials, allowing for faster machine learning, and providing an advanced back-end to power consumer apps. These are just some of the potential applications of the first ever 50-qubit quantum computer prototype displayed at this year's CES conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Tucked away in an exhibition room at The Venetian hotel and casino, the unit looked more work of art than state of art, but Vice President and Lab Director of the IBM Research Lab at Almaden Jeff Welser assured us that we were indeed face-to-face with the future of computing.
This "could be a real game-changer in terms of what we can do with AI," noted Welser when asked about some of his personal favorite — albeit at present speculative — applications of the device dangling before us like some sort of steam punk chandelier.
Something that's not so speculative when it comes to IBM's array of quantum computers? You can play Quantum Battleships on one of the less sophisticated models. Like, the game. Seriously. (When asked, Welser clarified that in the game a ship cannot be both sunk and un-sunk at the same time.)
But back to the 50-qubit quantum computer at hand. Even without its attendant coolant system that it requires to run, it's quite a thing to behold. The point of focus is a single chip housed inside a bottom canister. That chip must be as isolated from noise — thermal, electrical, and magnetic — as possible, and as such is kept at 10 milliKelvin. Which, as Welser pointed out, is about as close as you can get to absolute zero efficiently.
When up and running, the entire system occupies around 105 square feet, and we're told puts out quite a bit of audible sound. Today, however, we only got a look at the heart of the quantum beast during a special media preview ahead of CES's opening to the public tomorrow.
As to what's so special about a quantum computer, Welser explained that they're capable of calculations which classic computers could never manage. And IBM insists that it isn't keeping these advantages to itself. The company has placed a working quantum computer on the cloud (although not a 50-qubit one), allowing for 1.7 million experiments by around 60,000 users.
According to a press release, IBM is also working with commercial partners in the finance, materials, automotive, and chemistry industries by allowing them access to the groundbreaking computing power these devices offer.
Another great use? For selfies. Welser notes that everyone wants a selfie with the device when they see it. And yes, that includes him (when pressed, he copped to having taken one with the unit).
So there it is. IBM's first ever 50-qubit quantum computer could very well pave the way for revolutionizing an untold number of fields while simultaneously being a hit selfie background. It's a good look.
Topics CES
