Taiwan-based electronics manufacturing giant Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. announced Sunday that its research institute will establish a laboratory to develop trapped-ion quantum computers, thereby boosting research and development into quantum computing technology in Taiwan.
Quantum computing will be an important tool for Hon Hai, also known as Foxconn, as the company moves toward its goal of Foxconn 3.0 "3 plus 3" transformation, Hon Hai Chairman Liu Young-way (???) said at the online NExT Forum hosted by Hon Hai Research Institute the same day.
Hon Hai's F3.0 "3 plus 3" initiative refers to developing three emerging sectors -- electric cars, robots and digital healthcare -- through the application of artificial intelligence, semiconductor and communications technologies.
Liu said that since the research institute was established over a year ago, it has pooled resources from various sectors and invited international scholars to serve on its advisory committee which focuses on new technology development.
The research institute has five main areas of research: artificial intelligence, semiconductors, next-generation communications, cybersecurity and quantum computing, according to information provided by the company.
Following a series of breakthroughs in quantum technology in recent years, the fast processing speed and powerful computing capability of quantum computers has become a focus of attention for the technology industry around the world, Liu said.
Quantum technology is considered likely to provide computing solutions for the next generation that will drive the technological evolution of artificial intelligence, semiconductors and the security of information and communication technologies, Liu noted.
However, as there are still some bottlenecks in the industry, it is important to cultivate professionals in quantum technology and attract international talent by building an environment that promotes and supports research in the area to enable the technology to become more mature, Liu added.
Hon Hai Research Institute aims to help the company create value, increase profit margins and stay ahead of market trends by moving away from labor-intensive and into brain-intensive work, according to Liu.
Trapped-ion systems are one of the most promising systems for practical quantum computers.
Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel