The Ultimate Truths and Myths About Quantum Computing.

1. Quantum Computing Will Replace Traditional Computing.

Myth: The end of conventional computing is imminent due to quantum computing.

According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), today’s quantum computers remain rudimentary and error-prone, and NIST envisions them working complementarily with classical computers on specific tasks like drug discovery and complex optimization — not replacing them outright.

Truth: Quantum computing likely won’t completely replace traditional computers.

Recently, rumors of Google’s “Quantum Supremacy” began to circulate online. This prompted several futurists to declare that quantum computers will soon displace traditional computing. 

Indeed, it seems logical to assume that new technology makes older machines obsolete. This includes the computing machines of the previous generation. But in practice, as of today, the quantum processor developed by Google, Sycamore, only includes 53 qubits . Consequently, it can only carry out a very small number of tasks. This gap between hype and reality is part of the tech industry skills gap explained by experts who track the field closely.

2. Quantum Computing Is Like Traditional Computing, Just Faster.

Myth: Quantum computing may execute programs that resemble those used by conventional computers.

Truth: Unlike conventional computers, quantum computers cannot execute the same programming commands.

The fundamental cause for this discrepancy in the scope of applications between quantum computing and “traditional computing” is algorithmic. Namely, quantum computing requires a different set of algorithms to run each application. 

It would be a dream for scientists and programmers if quantum computers could create applications from the ground up. Unfortunately, quantum computing machines can only serve to resolve computing problems dedicated specifically to quantum computing.

3. Quantum Computing Vs Cybersecurity.

Myth: Quantum computing makes cybersecurity useless.

Truth: In the event of a quantum attack, quantum computing can compromise Internet security.

It is still a myth. The Public Key Cryptography (PKC) algorithms used today resist security assaults from common PCs.

However, researchers warn that the situation might change in the future. It will take a long time before quantum computers can defeat even the most resistant PKC algorithms. Once they do, however, our entire communication and data will be at risk.

Algorithms for quantum cryptography offer enhanced cybersecurity even in a significant quantum assault. However, it is only a theory. By comparison, one use for quantum computing is enhancing cybersecurity using quantum machines. Specializations like this are opening up entirely new career paths in the artificial intelligence industry and adjacent fields.

4. Quantum Consciousness.

Myth: Quantum computers can develop awareness and evolve into a “Quantum Mind.”

Truth: There is no evidence to support the existence of quantum consciousness or mind.

It’s heavily disputed whether or not one of the benefits of quantum computing can be quantum consciousness. The discussion started from comparing human brain to quantum computers.

Scientists know that single molecules interacting at synaptic clefts while transmitting electric signals through the brain undergo quantum laws of physics. It essentially means that the rules of quantum mechanics govern our thinking.

The degree of disparity in complexity between a brain and any machine is huge. However, both humans and, recently, AI have demonstrated design skills. Therefore, even if it were theoretically feasible, it might imply something remarkable. Namely, that a computer could develop awareness, or a mind of its own, and become sentient.

A recent report claimed that Facebook had discontinued its AI robot project. The reason: during the project, two robots spoke to one another in a language humans were unfamiliar with. 

While Quantum Mind is one of the popular hypotheses related to quantum computing, we still have a long way to go. Specifically, we have yet to fully comprehend quantum physics and computing. However, science has not grounded any of the theories about the quantum mind.

5. Commercialization of Quantum Computing.

Myth: In 15 years, quantum computing will be commercially available.

Truth: It won’t be easy, even with quantum computing, to completely replace classical computing.

Since quantum computing has been widely acknowledged as a viable type of computing for the past 15 years, little has changed. Namely, quantum computing is still insanely expensive.

Completing calculations quickly requires producing a lot of heat. Quantum computers must be kept in storage at temperatures of -273C (or -460F). This is close to the minimal possible temperature, also known as absolute zero.

As a result, the prices of commercial quantum computers are astronomical. For instance, the real price of D-Wave One machine by D-Wave Systems including 50 qubits is $10 million. D-Wave’s 2000 qubit quantum computer costs $15 million. For every extra qubit in processing power, you need to add $10,000 extra.

As a consequence, at most, data centers will utilize quantum computing for research and advanced computational modeling. 

And what about households? Traditional computers continue to be powerful, therefore, the future belongs to hybrid machines. Overall, the only way to raise the profile of quantum computing in the business world is through hybrid devices. These combine stationary traditional computers with quantum computers operating in the cloud.

6. Using Quantum Computing To Simulate Reality.

Myth: Quantum computers could serve to simulate actual events.

Truth: Only some of the possible real-world scenarios can be encoded into quantum computers.

Theoretically, the superposition of the qubits in quantum computers allows them to simulate real-world scenarios. This is especially useful in areas that involve probabilistic events, such as financial, weather, and agriculture models. Therefore, many people are hopeful that quantum computers could simulate the future in general.

According to the reality of quantum computing, a 300-qubit quantum computer can accurately anticipate various financial outcomes. This holds true over the next few years. However, achieving complete prediction of the future of the world does not seem feasible. The world is simply too complex to simulate.