Eigensystems co-founder Christopher Ferrie introduced Quokka, the first (emulated) consumer product in quantum computing, at Quantum Australia. Quokka is a personal quantum computer designed to be as user-friendly as a smart device. It has an ecosystem to develop quantum literacy, including programming options and a comprehensive library of content and lessons. Quokka will be available for pre-sale soon and will ship in mid-2024. Ferrie, a physicist, mathematician, and children’s book author has been working as a senior lecturer at the University of Technology Sydney since 2017.
Introduction to Quokka: A Quantum Computing Device for Consumers and Educators?
On February 22nd, at Quantum Australia in Sydney, a new product named Quokka was unveiled. This device is being touted as the first consumer product in quantum computing aimed at education. The Quokka is designed to be as user-friendly as any other smart device, making it a significant step towards increasing quantum literacy among the general public.
Actual Real Quantum Computing Device or Educational Tool?
Is there no actual quantum device in the “puck” that consumers can buy? Simulating a quantum system is a normal affair for most quantum programmers who test on an emulated quantum circuit before running on actual hardware. Of course, simulation becomes rather pointless beyond a specific qubit size as that is a quantum device’s advantage.
We have reached out to Chris Ferrie to understand what is in the device from a hardware perspective, as a few comments have suggested that online material about the device is misleading because there is no actual quantum computer in the device. Desktop quantum computers are available for sale from SpinQ, which sport just 3 NMR-based qubits. The device purports to show 30 qubits, but no actual data sheets or specifications are provided, so there is not much to go on. Typically most machines require bulky hardware, cooling systems or vast arrays of equipment, so this has come as a surprise.
But it appears from inferring that different flavors are possible that the hardware from say a spin qubit system or neutral atom machine that the simulation/emulation will behave according to that type of device. Again this not verified, but what we only infer from the website. We will update you if there is new information to share on the physical hardware or product that is shipping.
The Quokka comes with an extensive ecosystem designed to foster quantum literacy. This includes four different, complementary, and fully integrated ways to program the device through Quokka Basic. Quokka Advanced offers a comprehensive library of content and lessons for those seeking a more in-depth understanding. Additionally, Quokka Stories provides narrative-driven lessons for high school STEM students, reimagined for the quantum age. The Quokka is expected to be available for pre-sale in a few months and will ship in mid-2024.
Christopher Ferrie: The Mind Behind Quokka
The Quokka is the brainchild of Christopher Ferrie, co-founder of Eigensystems. Born in 1982, Ferrie is a Canadian physicist, mathematician, researcher, and children’s book author. He has a rich academic background, having earned a BSc in mathematical physics, a master’s in applied mathematics, and a Ph.D. in applied mathematics on Theory and Applications of Probability in Quantum Mechanics from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada.
Ferrie’s career has been marked by significant contributions to the field of quantum computing. From 2013 to 2014, he worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the Center for Quantum Information and Control of the University of New Mexico. From 2015 to 2017, he served as a postdoctoral research associate. Since 2017, he has been working as a senior lecturer at the Centre for Engineer Quantum Systems of the University of Technology Sydney.
In addition to his work in quantum computing, Ferrie is also known for his efforts in quantum education. He is the creator and author of the children’s book brand Baby University, a series of board books and picture books that introduce complex subjects to children. His popular Quantum Physics for Babies book, a part of this series, has seven scholarly citations on Google Scholar. The launch of Quokka is another step in his mission to make quantum concepts accessible to a wider audience.
The Future of Quantum Computing with Quokka
By making quantum computing accessible to the general public, it has the potential to revolutionize the way we understand and interact with quantum concepts. As we await the pre-sale and eventual shipping of the Quokka in 2024, it is clear that this device could play a crucial role in fostering quantum literacy and education in the coming years.
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