The Chinese company Origin produced the quantum computer available in the country, which has real-world applications.
The report from Science and Technology Daily, one of China’s state-run newspapers, confirmed that Origin’s Wuyuan quantum computer has been in use for a year, but did not say which customer or industry was using it.
China now joins the United States and Canada as the only countries known to have such cutting-edge technology where applicable.
Is there more?
Origin’s five originals have some impressive specs, featuring a 24-qubit processor using superconducting chip technology. It also has its own software suite, as well as the ability to work via the cloud, so it can be used remotely.
What’s more, Origin is working on its next-generation quantum computer called Wukong, which is said to be available in the near future.Interestingly, Origin is not blacklisted for using US quantum computing technology in the ongoing chip war between the US and China like other providers (opens in a new tab)which suggests that perhaps Origin’s creation is entirely its own.
It seems that there is only one Wuyuan in use, but in fact there are Report (opens in a new tab) More may be coming or actually already being used by other clients.
Quantum computers are the next stage in supercomputing, using the principles of quantum mechanics to fundamentally change the architecture of how computers work to achieve greater speeds than standard supercomputers. Advanced applications of quantum computers include weapons development, complex problem solving, code breaking and scientific research.
Major chipmakers are dabbling in this state-of-the-art technology. Taking IBM as an example, it has recently developed a 433-qubit giant processor, and even hopes to surpass it quickly, boldly claiming that it will manufacture a 4,000-qubit processor by 2025.
If such claims come true, and the general optimism surrounding quantum computing proves to be justified, there could be some earth-shattering discoveries and breakthroughs in various fields.
- For now, you’re going to have to use the best computer you can currently buy
