Honeywell reveals plans to launch a quantum computer

Honeywell Quantum Computer
(Image credit: Honeywell)

Honeywell has announced that it will release the world's most powerful quantum computer with a quantum volume of at least 64 within the next three months.

While quantum computers are usually measured by the amount of quantum bits or qubits they have, quantum volume is a measure of quantum capability that goes beyond the number of qubits. Instead quantum volume measures computational ability to indicate the relative complexity of a problem that can be solved by a quantum computer.

Honeywell's quantum computer will have a quantum volume of at least 64 which is more than twice that offered by IBM's Q System fleet.

Honeywell quantum ambitions

In a recently released scientific paper, the company demonstrated its quantum charge coupled device (QCCD) architecture that represents a major technical breakthrough in accelerating quantum capability. Honeywell also announced that it is on track to increase the quantum volume of its quantum computer by an order of magnitude each year for the next five years.

In a press release announcing the release of its upcoming quantum computer, CEO and chairman of Honeywell Darius Adamczyk explained how quantum computing has the potential to transform how things are done across a number of industries, saying:

“Quantum computing will enable us to tackle complex scientific and business challenges, driving step-change improvements in computational power, operating costs and speed. Materials companies will explore new molecular structures. Transportation companies will optimize logistics. Financial institutions will need faster and more precise software applications. Pharmaceutical companies will accelerate the discovery of new drugs. Honeywell is striving to influence how quantum computing evolves and to create opportunities for our customers to benefit from this powerful new technology.”

Honeywell first announced its quantum computing capabilities in late 2018 and when its quantum computer does become available in three months, customers will connect directly to systems housed by the company and it even has partnered with Microsoft to make its systems available in Microsoft Azure Quantum

The company also revealed that it has made strategic investments in two quantum computing software providers and that it will be partnering with JPMorgan Chase to develop quantum computing algorithms for the financial services sector.

The corporate venture arm of the North Carolina-based company, Honeywell Ventures has invested in Cambridge Quantum Computing and Zapata Computing. 

Both of these companies have experience working with cross-vertical algorithms and software, with Cambridge Quantum Computing focusing on chemistry, machine learning and augmented cybersecurity while Zapata Computing invents algorithms and builds quantum software to challenge today's top supercomputers.

Via ZDNet

Anthony Spadafora

After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home.