Quantum computing involves processing and utilization of quantum bits (qubits), which can exist in multiple states simultaneously, instead of the traditional binary bits either in 0 or 1. This principle, called superposition, gives quantum computers the ability to perform complex computations at a much quicker rate. Coupling it with another principle of quantum mechanics, entanglement – that allows qubits to be intertwined irrespective of distance, quantum computers can achieve high parallelism that might revolutionize the field of artificial intelligence.
Machine learning, a subset of AI, heavily relies upon finding patterns in large amounts of data. The computation power of quantum computers can accelerate these processes, making machine learning more dynamic and efficient. Quantum machine learning can potentially solve complex problems in real-time, with a level of accuracy not seen in traditional systems.
Quantum computing promises advancement in the AI-powered optimization process as well. AI-driven logistics, route or schedule planning, risk analysis, etc., involve solving complex optimization problems. Due to computational limitations, traditional AI models often resort to satisfactory, non-optimal solutions. However, with the high computing capabilities of quantum computers, it might be possible to find the absolute optimal solution.
On the downside, the extreme power of quantum computing also poses a risk. It may, theoretically, take mere seconds to crack encryption codes that would take traditional computers thousands of years. Therefore, developments in quantum computing necessitate advancements in security measures as well.
Currently, quantum computing is in its nascent stages with huge strides being made towards its stability and functionality. Companies like IBM, Google, and Microsoft are investing heavily into its R&D. Nevertheless, quantum computing holds immense potential for advancing AI capabilities to an unprecedented level.
For more recent news and advancements:
1. Google’s Sycamore quantum processor has recently demonstrated ‘quantum supremacy’ by solving a complex problem in 200 seconds which would take the world’s fastest supercomputers 10,000 years.
(Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-03213-z)
2. IBM just made a 127-qubit quantum processor, the most powerful to date, and is aiming for a massive 1,121 qubits by 2023.
(Source: https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/09/15/1008476/ibm-quantum-computing-roadmap-1000-qubits/)
3. A recent study used a quantum computer to perform a machine-learning analysis of the binding affinity of certain molecules, which could be useful in drug discovery.
(Source: https://phys.org/news/2021-10-quantum-machine-tools-drug-discovery.html)