Quantum computing devices offered by SpinQ are certainly smaller than the fastest models produced by companies like IBM, but they’re definitely not that easy to transport, as weights range between 14 and 44 kilograms, and prices are still way off from consumer-grade products.
These systems are intended to be educational tools for introducing people to programming using qubits.
Technologies
Artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing are expected to be the two biggest influences on human evolution in the next few years.
Thanks to all sorts of open-sourced projects, artificial intelligence (AI) has seen accelerated development. However, quantum computing experimentation requires extremely expensive and cumbersome equipment.
Developments
Quantum computers have not yet become mainstream, but some companies, including China-founded SpinQ and Japan-founded Switch-Science, are working on ways to bring them to the public.
Quantum Computer Models
The Gemini Mini, Gemini, and Triangulum portable quantum computer models from SpinQ / Switch-Science are far smaller than the current fastest quantum computers, and, as such, their computing power is proportionately reduced.
Qubits
Compared to IBM‘s Osprey QP0U which offers up to 433 quantum bits (qubits), the portable SpinQ processors offer a maximum of just three qubits. However, because of their smaller sizes, the qubit technologies used by these devices are less sophisticated than those found in IBM‘s OSPRY QPU.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Instead of using superconductors at extremely low temperatures, the portable quantum computer uses qubits that operate by means of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).
Unfortunately, this type of tech doesn’t unlock the quantum entanglements that could make QPUs potentially faster than traditional transistors.
Weight
Even though the Spin Q models are considered portable, don’t expect to be able to carry them around like a computer, because the lightest one weighs 14 kilograms.
Processing Power
Furthermore, these machines don’t actually provide enough processing power for complex problem-solving scenarios. They’re designed to be used as an introduction to quantum circuit programs.
Pricing
Pricing is not something that most people think of when they hear the word “mainstream.”
Gemini Mini Model
SpinQ’S most affordable quantum computer is the Gemini Mini model.
It has a dual-qubit quantum computer chip that provides more than 20 milliseconds of coherency times with more than 10 gates per dual-qubit operation or more than 30 operations for each individual qubit.
It is the only product with an integrated display that allows you to easily use up to 18 different demo algorithms with their accompanying documentation and training material.
The entire device needs 60 watts of power and costs $8,100 in Japanese yen.
Gemini Model
With the mid-size Gemini model, we can expect to see a similar design to the original, except that it will be smaller and lighter. We also expect to see an increase in power consumption to around 150 W. The processor will feature two qubits, each with a 20+ ms coherence time.
Each qubit will be able to perform 200 single-qubit gates per second, while the dual-qubits will be able to do 20 multi-qubit gates. For $40,000, you get a machine that is roughly equivalent to the original Gemini.
Triangulum Model
The flagship Triangulus is not much more expensive at $57,000 compared to the Gemini at $56,900. Despite its larger size, this version weighs 40 kilograms.
It has an advanced three-qubits processor with up to 40ms coherence times for extended working times, but its processing speed is reduced to 40 gates per single qubits or eight gates per dual or triple-qutrit circuits. For improved coherence times, this device needs 330 watts of electricity.
It may be years before we see consumer-grade devices capable of running a full-fledged version of Qubit. But there are already some efforts underway to bring the technology down to a smaller scale.