Quantum computing takes a massive step forward thanks to machine learning

We're heading for an explosive quantum computing revolution, or so we keep being told, but how soon will it come? Clearly, we are slowly learning more and more about how these sort of super-powerful systems can be realised – and the latest piece of research in the field concerns a fusion of traditional machine learning and quantum computing. Essentially, this is about trying to characterise quantum systems and verify the operation of quantum processors more effectively – and more cost-efficiently – using quantum simulators and powerful machine learning routines. In other words, it's about pushing forward faster with developing quantum computing and making it a reality, which to put it mildly, is a very tricky business with a lot of challenges to overcome. Scientists from the University of Bristol's Quantum Engineering Technology Labs (pictured above) are behind the work, and have successfully demonstrated a quantum-enhanced machine learning tech which can be used with a quantum processor to learn about the evolution of other quantum systems.