We might finally know how to use quantum computers to boost AI

Quantum computers might eventually be able to handle some AI applications that currently require huge amounts of conventional computing power. Such a development would be a major boost to machine learning and similar artificial intelligence algorithms. Quantum computers hold the promise of eventually being able to complete certain calculations that are impossible for conventional computers. For years, researchers have been debating whether these advantages over conventional computers extend to tasks that involve lots of data, and the algorithms that learn from them - in other words, the machine learning that underlies many AI programs. Now, Hsin-Yuan Huang at the quantum computing firm Oratomic and his colleagues argue that the answer ought to be "yes". Their mathematical work aims to lay the foundations for a future where quantum computers offer a broad boost to AI. "Machine learning is really utilised everywhere in science and technology and also everyday life.