How quantum computing and machine learning boost each other

Preparing for a future driven by quantum computing took on new urgency recently when Google announced it had created a quantum computer capable of performing a computation in just a few minutes that would take classical computers thousands of years. The company hailed the breakthrough as the first realization of quantum supremacy -- the moment when quantum computers can solve problems that classical computers cannot. While some took issue with how Google structured its processing test and questioned the legitimacy of its claim, the announcement is at least a sign of progress in quantum and an indicator of what might be coming. The exponential increase in processing power that is theoretically possible with quantum computing has implications for drug discovery, cybersecurity and general AI to name a few areas. Quantum computing and machine learning will enable models that reflect complex conditions far better than today's models are capable of doing, Langione said.