{
  "id": 11499154,
  "title": "Q&A: How will quantum computers change society?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/q-a-how-will-quantum-computers-change-society",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-02T18:20:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-10-qa-quantum-society.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In recent years, quantum computers have moved from being considered a \"pipe dream\" to becoming a practical technology with significant potential. These machines leverage principles of quantum mechanics, which govern phenomena at the scale of atoms and electrons. Unlike conventional computers that use bits representing either 0 or 1, quantum computers employ quantum bits, or qubits, capable of existing in a superposition of both states simultaneously. This unique property enables quantum computers to explore multiple possibilities at once, making them particularly adept at specific types of calculations.\n\nOne promising application lies in the realm of chemistry. Simulating chemical reactions on conventional computers necessitates an enormous number of computations and considerable time. Quantum computers, however, could potentially perform these tasks far more efficiently, offering substantial advantages for developing new medicines or materials.\n\nThe surge in interest surrounding quantum computers stems from the escalating computational demands of our advanced digital era. Applications such as artificial intelligence and self-driving vehicles necessitate immense amounts of processing power, with this demand expected to grow. Quantum computers offer a new approach to handling these growing computational needs.\n\nBeyond their computational prowess, quantum computers also hold the potential to reduce energy consumption. Traditional supercomputers generate substantial energy usage during extended calculations. By harnessing quantum computers to complete the same tasks more swiftly, energy demands could be curtailed.\n\nIn the research group led by professor Takuji Miki, work is primarily focused on silicon spin qubits, an emerging technology that utilizes existing semiconductor fabrication techniques. Silicon spin qubits offer the advantage of integration, allowing multiple qubits to be densely packed onto a single chip, thereby increasing computational capacity. However, a significant challenge remains: minimizing errors that inevitably occur during quantum calculations. Achieving practical quantum computing is anticipated to require around 1 million qubits. Current superconducting quantum computers, like the one recently developed by RIKEN and Fujitsu featuring 256 qubits, represent the largest external-accessible models.\n\nTo mitigate errors, researchers are exploring quantum error correction techniques, which necessitate a substantial number of qubits. Additionally, maintaining qubits at extremely low temperatures close to absolute zero (-273.15 ℃ / -459.67°F) is crucial, but this becomes increasingly challenging as the number of qubits rises. Current research efforts aim to enhance the number of qubits while simultaneously addressing the associated challenges of cooling, wiring, and power consumption in the cryogenic environment.",
  "summary": "Once called a \"pipe dream,\" quantum computers are now approaching practical use. Companies and research institutes around the world are in fierce competition to develop this technology, which has the potential to rapidly perform some calculations that are extremely difficult even for conventional supercomputers.",
  "key_points": [
    "Quantum computers leverage quantum mechanics principles, unlike conventional computers.",
    "Potential to revolutionize chemistry by efficiently simulating reactions.",
    "Quantum computers could reduce energy consumption compared to traditional supercomputers."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}