Quantum Computing Meets AI: Power in Collaborative Intelligence

AI is rapidly evolving in Latin America, and Mexico is positioning itself as a regional leader in AI adoption. Quantum computing is expected to complement AI, driving breakthroughs in areas like pharmaceuticals and supply chain optimization. Together, AI and quantum computing promise to revolutionize various sectors in the coming years, says Francisco Aguirre, LATAM Artificial Intelligence Senior Principal, Dell Technologies. 

“AI and quantum computing are now separate realms, but quantum computing is expected to enhance AI capabilities in areas such as optimization, machine learning, and molecular simulations,” says Aguirre.

AI's capabilities, particularly in natural language processing (NLP), are increasingly influencing various sectors. NLP allows machines to understand, interpret, and generate human language, with applications in speech-to-text translation and chatbots. One of the fastest-growing subsets of AI is Generative AI, which uses algorithms to create new content, such as images, music, videos, and text. This technology offers businesses the ability to automate tasks and enhance productivity.

Another cutting-edge AI development is digital humans, or intelligent virtual assistants. These AI-powered entities combine the generative capabilities of AI with an avatar or image, enabling companies to interact with clients and partners more effectively. Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) is also gaining traction, allowing AI to access and leverage business data to provide more accurate, context-specific results. Companies relying on synthetic data to train models benefit from RAG, which helps deliver tailored insights based on proprietary company data.

Another significant advancement is Agentic AI, which can make autonomous decisions and take actions in real time. This technology allows businesses to operate more efficiently by executing tasks independently, streamlining operations and enhancing productivity.

A common question businesses exploring AI ask themselves is where to start. Many companies begin by using large language models (LLM), such as ChatGPT, to generate responses tailored to specific needs. However, these models present challenges, including "hallucinations," where the AI provides responses that seem illogical or unexpected. Quantum computing could complement and enhance AI models, greatly expanding their power and capabilities.  

While AI is advancing quickly, quantum computing is still in its infancy. Companies like Google and Microsoft are leading the charge, but access to quantum computers remains limited, with most quantum machines still being simulators. Despite concerns about potential risks, there is growing interest in the field, particularly for its potential to revolutionize multiple industries.

“There is a notion that quantum computing will be a risk to humanity. However, there is a growing interest in the subject and it is worth exploring to understand where we are headed,” says Aguirre. 

Quantum computing relies on principles that are vastly different from classical computing. Key concepts include qubits, which can represent multiple states simultaneously, superposition, entanglement, tunneling, and coherence. These machines can solve problems that classical computers cannot handle efficiently. The technology is expected to complement, rather than replace, current computing systems.

Quantum computing could significantly impact sectors like pharmaceuticals, where it could accelerate drug discovery and medical research. The technology may also optimize supply chains, develop new materials, and even manage entire smart cities. In the future, quantum computing could be used to simulate the Earth's climate system in real time, offering insights into environmental changes on an unprecedented scale, says Aguirre.

As the two technologies evolve, they are likely to complement each other, providing even more powerful tools for businesses and researchers alike. The convergence of AI and quantum computing promises to drive innovation across industries and reshape the technological landscape for years to come, says Aguirre.