IBM reveals its first commercial quantum computer at CES 2019

at CES 2019, IBM has unveiled its first commercial quantum computer. dubbed the IBM Q system one, this is the world’s first integrated universal approximate quantum computing system designed for both scientific and commercial use. according to the american multinational information technology company, the IBM Q systems are designed to one day tackle problems that are currently seen as too complex and exponential in nature for classical systems to handle.

images and video courtesy of IBM

IBM has also stated that its Q systems can handle future applications of quantum computer which include finding new ways to model financial data and isolating key global risk factors to make better investment, or finding the optimal path across global systems for ultra-efficient logistics and optimizing fleet operations for deliveries.

for the design, IBM formed a team of industrial designers, architects and manufacturers to work alongside IBM research scientists and system engineers including map project office, universal design studio, and goppion—a Milan-based manufacturer of high-end museum display cases. the IBM Q system one features a modular and compact appearance optimized for stability, reliability and continuous commercial use. it includes a nine-foot-tall, nine-foot-wide (2.7 x 2.7 meter) case of half-inch thick borosilicate glass forming a sealed, airtight enclosure that opens effortlessly using ‘roto-translation’ — a motor-driven rotation around two displaced axes engineered to simplify the system’s maintenance and upgrade process while minimizing downtime.

this is the first time IBM Q system one enables universal approximate superconducting quantum computers to operate beyond the confines of the research lab. the system marks the next evolution of IBM Q, the industry’s first effort to introduce the public to programmable universal quantum computing through the cloud-based IBM Q experience, and the commercial IBM Q network platform for business and science applications.