What Will AI Look Like When It Gets Boosted by Quantum Computing?

The technology world has already been taken over by artificial intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT. This is something which may be seen as daunting to anyone who isn’t a technical enthusiast or an expert in the industry. However, the world is already talking about the next big thing in the computing world; quantum computing. So, this leaves the question… What will AI look like when it inevitably gets boosted by quantum computing? Keep reading to find out… 

What is AI? 

At some point in your social or work life, you’ve probably had the discussion about whether robots are going to take over the role of humans, right? Well, this debate came about due to the rise of AI. This is because, by definition, AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines; computer systems in particularly. The aim was to ensure that computers could complete automated tasks in a quicker and a more efficient way than humans to improve productivity. If you’re wondering what some specific applications of AI are: 

- Expert systems  

- Natural language processing 

- Speech recognition 

- Machine learning 

To work, AI requires a foundation of specialised hardware and software for both writing and training machine learning algorithms. AI is important because it can change how we live, work, and play. Additionally, the rapidly expanding population of generative AI tools has not only meant that AI has already evolved from being a science into an art, but it’s making its mark in fields ranging from education and marketing to product design. 

What is Quantum Computing? 

Even more sci-fi than AI, quantum computing is an emerging technology that harnesses the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems that are too complex for classical computers. The reason why we need these types of ‘supercomputers’ is because scientists and engineers turn to them when they encounter difficult problems.  To give some context into where quantum computers have already started to be used, there is:  

- Mercedes-Benz exploring the future of electric vehicles  

- ExxonMobil striving to solve complex energy challenges 

- CERN’s work to explain cosmic mysteries  

The key difference between supercomputers and quantum computers is that supercomputers can still fail when given tasks with a high degree of complexity. However, quantum computers are elegant machines that are smaller and require less energy to run. The quantum hardware is the size of a car and made up mostly of cooling systems to keep the superconducting processor at ultra-cold operational temperature. Quantum computers use qubits to run multidimensional quantum algorithms. A qubit is a basic unit of information in quantum computing. The idea is that the processing power of the computers increases as more qubits are added, creating something that is far more powerful and superior to the traditional computer. 

The Impact of Quantum Computing on AI 

Firstly, the main way that quantum technology is set to impact AI is to accelerate its advancement. It will enable AI to complete tasks at lightning speed, according to experts. If there’s one thing for sure, a powerful upgrade like this could bring incredible innovations. The possibilities are endless; for example, a cure for cancer is one thing on the radar if quantum computing was to combine with AI, according to Lisa Palmer, the Chief AI Strategist for the consulting firm AI Leaders. 

Using quantum computing, the world is set to speed up in a way once thought impossible before its invention. 

Step into the Future with a Computing Degree 

Interested in embarking on a future-proof career? The University of Bolton’s BSc (Hons) Computing degree can help you become part of the tech revolution. Come and join the positive and supportive learning environment at the first UK university to become a RedHat academy! We’re incorporating the RedHat Linux certification training into our course modules. This means that our course is specially developed by industry professionals to help students gain resourceful insights and the ability to design, develop, build, and maintain complex computer systems in modern digital industries. Therefore, our students leave the Bolton family with the skills they need to be a valuable addition to any business. And this is something which has been regularly demonstrated by the excellent track record of our graduate’s gaining employment. 

So, if a friendly and inclusive campus with quality lecturers that have helped us be voted first for Teaching Quality* sounds like the environment for you, click here to view the full BSc (Hons) Computing course details.  

For further information, please contact us at enquiries@bolton.ac.uk or call us on 01204 903903. 

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