QUANTUM COMPUTING: THE NEXT HYPER-PHASE OF AI ADVANCEMENT
Applied AI has been a part of our technological landscape for decades,
quietly integrated into our daily lives. However, what has sparked
the recent explosion of AI technology? The answer is simple: enhanced
computing capabilities (Fig. 1). Up until about a decade ago, the progress of
AI was constrained by incremental advancements in computational power.
AI relies on heuristics (trial and error) and brute force methods to mimic
human intelligence, but it requires substantial computational ability to excel.
Fig.1: An image representing the spike in computational power in the 2010s that accelerated AI technology development.
The increase in computational power during the 2010s has greatly
hastened the advancement of AI technology. The ongoing wave of
AI technologies, fueled by sophisticated computing and processing
hardware, will continue to advance steadily, in accordance with Moore’s
law, for another decade or two. Nevertheless, the most eagerly awaited
breakthrough will occur with the advent of the initial iteration of superadvanced
hardware computing technology, Quantum Computing (QC).
This will mark a pivotal moment for mankind.
In simpler terms, quantum computing will dwarf existing chip-based
advanced computing like a skyscraper towers over the sky. What would
take existing computing technology trillions of years to accomplish,
quantum computing will achieve in the blink of an eye. With quantum
computing, humans will wield almost magical technological powers. When
matured, the trio of ‘Quantum Computing (hardware), advanced AI/AGI
(software), and Algorithms (rules)’ could propel our species to god-like
realms. This may sound like an exaggeration, but it’s not.
Quantum Mechanics, the science of sub-atomic particles, forms the
foundation of Quantum Computing. In the quantum world, things become
eerie. Particles can exist and not exist simultaneously (superposition), and
the actions of one particle have an impact on another, regardless of the
distance between them (entanglement). Scientists are tirelessly working
to apply these quantum principles to real-world technologies, giving rise
to quantum computing. Even the most brilliant minds in science are still
grappling with Quantum Mechanics. It lacks a single unified theory, and
as John von Neumann, the father of modern computers, famously said,
“You don’t understand Quantum Mechanics. You get used to it.” For this
article, we will focus on applied quantum computing.
Major tech companies have been researching quantum computing
for decades. Despite occasional breakthroughs, the ultimate goal has
remained elusive. Tapping into the power of sub-atomic particles
poses an extraordinary challenge, even for the most brilliant human
minds. However, with recent leaps in computing hardware, a significant
breakthrough is expected within a decade. This will mark the hyper-phase
of AI development, driven by quantum computing, and Artifi cial General
Intelligence (AGI) could become a reality.
Applying quantum computing in the real world could transform what
we consider magical into scientifi c fact. This includes the seemingly
impossible act of vanishing and reappearing simultaneously
(materialization-dematerialization).
We might even calculate the speed of thought.
Weather prediction is on the verge of a revolution. The days of weather
forecasts being mere predictions are numbered; instead, they will become
certainties. Quantum computing, AI, and algorithms will eliminate the
challenges faced in weather forecasting by processing enormous amounts
of data at lightning speed. In the future, weather forecasters will be able to
provide precise micro-climate forecasts that are tailored to your exact location.
Fig.2: An image illustrating the shortening of innovation waves due to technological advancements:
The rapid advancement of frontier technologies is awe-inspiring. The
‘long wave of innovation’ (Fig. 2) is shortening each decade. The following
1-2 decades promise to be action-packed, surpassing even the best sci-fi
movies. Many early Gen-Xers like myself will have the opportunity
to witness this incredible transition. Perhaps by then, people will live
significantly longer, postponing or even defying the current inevitabilities
of life.
Book trivia:
Author Profile: Writes about life. Authored the expert/academia-endorsed first-of-its-kind HR-Management hand-book ‘Future of Work - AI in HR’ acclaimed for its research-backed insights and accessible writing style. Ranked #2 in ‘Five Books' 'Top 5 Future-Fit HR Reads' the book is available globally on Amazon & Google Play Book (eBook) for purchase.
Upcoming sequel Future of Work - AI Augmented Autonomous Decentralized expected in 2025.