Jakarta, INTI – Quantum computing, once only a theoretical concept, is becoming increasingly real. Two global tech giants, IBM and Google, have just announced major breakthroughs in developing quantum computers that are expected to be ready for use in the near future. This announcement marks the beginning of a new era in technology, with the potential to transform how humanity solves complex problems.
IBM: From Blueprint to Industrial Scale
IBM officially released its latest blueprint for quantum computer systems. The design addresses technical shortcomings from previous versions and provides a clear direction toward building full-scale quantum computers.
Jay Gambetta, Head of IBM Quantum, expressed optimism that industrial-scale quantum machines could be realized by the end of this decade. IBM has even prepared an ambitious roadmap called Quantum Starling, targeting 200 logical qubits and more than 100 million operations per system.
Google: Focus on Error Correction
Google has also made significant progress, particularly in quantum error correction technology. This innovation allows systems to remain operational even when some qubits are disturbed. Julian Kelly, Head of Hardware at Google Quantum AI, stated that the company is aiming for an industrial quantum computer before the end of the decade, with a strategy to achieve up to tenfold cost efficiency.
Major Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimism, the path to practical quantum computers is far from easy. The number of qubits in today’s systems is still far below industrial requirements. Qubits themselves are extremely fragile, lasting only fractions of a second before being disrupted by noise.
IBM has directly faced this challenge when testing its 433-qubit Condor chip, which encountered crosstalk issues. To address this, IBM developed a new coupler capable of reducing interference.
Different Strategies: IBM vs. Google
Google prefers the surface code method, while IBM relies on low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes, which require fewer qubits but demand long-range qubit connections. Debate over which method is more effective is still ongoing, reflecting the fierce competition in the quantum field.
Entering the Quantum Era
If ready-to-use quantum computers become a reality, the impact will be extraordinary across multiple fields:
- Materials science: designing new materials with unique properties
- Artificial intelligence: accelerating large-scale AI model training
- Pharmaceuticals: designing drugs through precise molecular simulations
- Finance: optimizing portfolios and enhancing risk analysis with high precision
With their ultra-fast analytical capabilities, quantum computers will usher the world into a new era just as classical computers revolutionized human life in the 20th century.
Conclusion
Ready-to-use quantum computers are no longer just a dream. Announcements from IBM and Google prove that this technological revolution is drawing closer. If end-of-decade targets are achieved, humanity will enter a quantum era that will transform how we work, conduct research, and live our daily lives.
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