It's here: In a first, the world’s fully integrated universal quantum computing system is being shown in a museum.
The IBM Q System One quantum computer replica is on display at the Museum of Science in Boston and the exhibit will last through May. This quantum computer is the world’s first integrated quantum computing system for commercial use.
The exhibit displays a replica of a large golden chandelier-like structure and at the very bottom of the chandelier is a small chip that powers the quantum computing. The entire structure that surrounds the chip helps make sure the chip can be powered and controls the temperature.
On opening day, Bob Sutor, vice president of IBM Q Strategy and Ecosystem at IBM Research, explained what a quantum computer is, the problems it can tackle, and how to start using a quantum computer.
“My dream, by being here is that we will have students come and look at this—high school, college or maybe even younger. And we're so early in this quantum computing that they will get inspired,” Sutor said. “They will see this, they'll think it's cool. And at some point, one of the students will live in the future and develop something absolutely amazing.”
The takeaway from the exhibit that Sutor hopes for is for people to start playing around with the online version. Users can access the cloud-version of the IBM Q Experience and start using a quantum computer on the web.
Carol Lynn Alpert, director for strategic projects at the Museum of Science, who put together the exhibit, realized it’s important to make the quantum territory more familiar so people can harness the benefits. To that end, she needed something physical that people can view in a science museum.
“So the fact that we could work with IBM to bring in the beautiful golden chandelier, and build some interpretive material around it, and some video and audio meant that there could be a focal point, a place for someone to come to something for them to look at, and try to imagine what this kind of machinery may possible in the future,” Alpert said.
