Japanese operator SoftBank Corp outlined a plan to incorporate its AI computing platform with a national quantum machine, advancing goals to ready infrastructure for so-called post-5G information and communication (IC) systems.
SoftBank plans to begin connecting its AI platform with the Riken quantum equipment next month as part of the JHPC-quantum programme to research and develop hybrid platforms involving the machines and supercomputers.
Initial steps in connecting SoftBank and Riken’s set-ups will use the Science Information Network (SINET), an academic IC system operated by the National Institute of Informatics.
SoftBank expects its AI computing platform to “further expand the collaborative environment between quantum computers and supercomputers”. It predicted the move could accelerate R&D and so advance commercialisation prospects.
A low-latency, high-speed network will be used to connect the computers, providing the platform to develop services enabling collaboration of quantum and high-performance computing, then verify how well they work.
SoftBank stated it and Riken proposed the JHPC-quantum project in response to a call by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation to explore connections between quantum and supercomputers.
It noted Riken has two commercial quantum computers in operation, the ion trap-type REMEI and superconducting variant ibm_kobe.
SoftBank intends to back up its AI-quantum ambitions through SLAs, “security and operational standards to meet the needs of test users”, along with performing verification and maintaining a focus on commercial possibilities.