Complex systems and computers

This article looks at future directions in computing and how a new generation of 'quantum computers' will take us forward. Allegedly these computers work using 'Qubits' rather than electrons and presumably are special because of their very advanced data processing abilities. Some different views on the stage this new technology has yet reached but it seems to be on its way. A Professor Ekert commented "they will not be used in run-of-the-mill desktop applications but specialist uses such as searching vast databases, creating uncrackable ciphers or simulating the atomic structures of substances. ......The really killer application will probably be in designing new materials or complex systems" Sounds quite amazing. I also find it interesting that in thise sort of article people can seem a bit invisible.... 'application' implies people are still using the machines but reading the article the focus is on what the machine rather than the people can do.

This summer we wrote a paper on 'people, robots and systemic decision making' that looked at how people and 'more intelligent machines' might divide up tasks differently in decision making. We weren't particularly focusing on data processing but were considering the role of these machines in complex systems and situations. Depends what you mean by complex systems I suppose but as they always involve people, our position was that one of the key challenges for the future in working with these highly advanced computer-based technologies seems to be about getting both people and machines doing what they're good at. I'm sure these new technologies will mean we can do things we couldn't do before, which if that means for example more efficient and effective use of natural resources sounds pretty exciting. But it also seems likely they'll raise a lot of issues about what we could and should be doing with them. Interesting times.