Quantum computer for Google

Google has employed a renowned researcher in a bid to create a ‘quantum’ computer chip which will ultimately allow machines to think like humans.

Google said a research team led by physicist John Martinis from the University of California Santa Barbara will join the company to start a project to build new quantum information processors based on superconducting electronics, said director of engineering Hartmut Neven.

The Quantum Artificial Intelligence Lab is a collaboration between Google, Nasa Ames Research Center and the Universities Space Research Association to study the application of quantum optimisation related to artificial intelligence.

Together they aim to design and build chips operating on subatomic levels, making them much faster than today’s processors.

Google has become increasingly focused on artificial intelligence in recent years.