The Origin Wukong Computer is China’s most advanced programmable and high-performance superconducting quantum computer.
Third generation superconducting quantum computer Origin Wukong. (Photo: CCTV).
The third generation domestic superconducting quantum computer of China, named Origin Wukong, began operations on January 6 at the Origin Quantum Technology Company in Hefei, Anhui Province, eastern China, according to Global News. This marks a significant achievement in China’s efforts towards advanced technology research and development.
Superconducting quantum computers utilize quantum chips based on superconducting circuits. Globally, both IBM and Google’s quantum computers follow a similar technological pathway. China’s new quantum computer operates using Wukong, a domestically developed superconducting quantum chip.
Kong Weicheng, deputy director of the Anhui Quantum Computer Engineering Research Center, stated that the machine is equipped with a third generation quantum computer control system, which can significantly enhance the operational performance of this type of computer. According to Jia Zhilong, deputy director of the Anhui Province Key Quantum Computing Chip Laboratory, the Wukong chip consists of a total of 198 qubits, including 72 operational qubits and 126 coupled qubits.
The name Wukong is inspired by Sun Wukong (the famous character from Chinese literature known for his 72 transformations), symbolizing the power and flexibility of the computer. “This quantum computer model indicates that China has made significant progress in the field of strategic science and technology”, commented Yuan Lanfeng, a researcher at the Hefei Microphysics Science Center of the University of Science and Technology of China. According to Yuan, through specialized algorithms, the quantum computer offers higher computational capabilities compared to traditional computers, especially in cryptography, material design, and drug analysis. Realizing the value of quantum computers requires long-term efforts.
Origin Quantum has provided the first and second generation superconducting quantum computers to the Chinese market. In terms of the number of quantum computing patents, Origin Quantum ranks first in China and sixth globally.
