The Road to Useful Quantum Computers

2026-02-25

AI Summary

Current quantum computers have not yet achieved “quantum utility”—the capability to solve problems of practical significance. This work systematically analyzes the critical requirements for attaining quantum utility and the gaps between these requirements and existing technologies. It proposes a multidimensional framework integrating quantum algorithms, error correction schemes, hardware prototype evaluation, and performance benchmarks to measure and track the progression of quantum computing toward practical applicability. The framework delineates core scientific and engineering challenges, offering actionable research and development targets as well as standardized criteria for assessing progress. By doing so, it provides both academia and industry with a clear foundation for formulating a coherent roadmap for the advancement of quantum computing.

Technology Category

• Machine Learning: Quantum Machine Learning
• Knowledge Representation and Reasoning: Qualitative Reasoning
• Search and Optimization: Evaluation and Analysis

Application Category

• Search and Retrieval-Augmented AI: Web evaluation methodologies and metrics
• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Web performance, measurement, and characterization
• Graph Algorithms and Modeling for the Web: Querying, indexing, and retrieval in Web-related graphs

Abstract

Building a useful quantum computer is a grand science and engineering challenge, currently pursued intensely by teams around the world. In the 1980s, Richard Feynman and Yuri Manin observed independently that computers based on quantum mechanics might enable better simulations of quantum phenomena. Their vision remained an intellectual curiosity until Peter Shor published his famous quantum algorithm for integer factoring, and shortly thereafter a proof that errors in quantum computations can be corrected. Since then, quantum computing R&D has progressed rapidly, from small-scale experiments in university physics laboratories to well-funded industrial efforts and prototypes. Hype notwithstanding, quantum computers have yet to solve scientifically or practically important problems -- a target often called quantum utility. In this article, we describe the capabilities of contemporary quantum computers, compare them to the requirements of quantum utility, and illustrate how to track progress from today to utility. We highlight key science and engineering challenges on the road to quantum utility, touching on relevant aspects of our own research.

Problem

• quantum utility
• quantum computing
• quantum error correction
• quantum algorithms
• quantum hardware

Innovation

• quantum utility
• quantum computing roadmap
• error correction
• quantum hardware challenges
• quantum algorithm requirements