A quantum computing experience at Microsoft

Realising the potential of quantum computing

The installation at Microsoft's Copenhagen headquarters functions as low barrier entry to understand the potential of quantum computing for visitors and employees. It introduces them to the computational power of quantum computing in a playful and visually pleasing manner. It does this by using real-time skeleton tracking and light projections that interact seamlessly with the beautiful location. The light setting and playful nature of the installation welcomes all types of visitors inviting them to engage in multiple manners with the research conducted at the facility.

The installation pays homage to the history of Microsoft. A company that in the past revolutionised computing with the classic bit computers, and now they are doing it again with quantum computing. The bit is the basic unit of information in a regular computer which always has a value of either 0 or 1. But the quantum powered qubit can hold both these values, and those in between, at the same time allowing quantum computers to process pieces of information at an exponentially faster rate.

Understanding the difference between the classic bit and the qubit will help visitors at the lab grasp the magnitude of the impact that this technology will have on the future.

The research and development of quantum computing in Copenhagen is conducted by some of the brightest minds in the world. While quantum computing might seem complex and out of reach to most, Microsoft are actively working to ensure that their work can be understood and engaged with at all levels. And as part of this, they asked us to create the Q-Wall.

To build it, we used Microsoft’s Azure Kinnect to physically track people at the installation. The data is then processed through a game engine and translated visually to 3D models which form the main part of the tracking system shown on the Q-wall. As people move their representations transfer into the quantum realm and become qubit particles. After interacting with the Q-Wall, users are invited and engaged to learn more about work at the quantum lab.

For more information about quantum computing, visit Microsoft’s Quantum Labs.