Hon Hai Precision Industry Co’s (鴻海精密) research institute yesterday launched a laboratory for trapped-ion quantum computing in New Taipei City’s Sindian District (新店) as part of Hon Hai’s “3 plus 3” transformation initiative, the company said in a statement.
The “3 plus 3” initiative refers to developing three emerging sectors — electric vehicles, robots and digital healthcare — through the use of artificial intelligence, semiconductors and communications technologies, Hon Hai has said.
The lab, operated by the Hon Hai Research Institute, is at the Baogao Science and Intellectual Park (寶高智慧產業園區) in Sindian. It is the first of its kind in Taiwan, focusing on the development of efficient computing capabilities required for new generation artificial intelligence and automotive-related technologies, Hon Hai said.
Photo courtesy of Hon Hai Precision Industry Co
Trapped Ion Quantum Computing Laboratory director Lin Guin-dar (林俊達), sees quantum computing as the “holy grail” for next-generation technology development, but not something that could be achieved overnight, the statement said.
“This lab is an important experimental field for Taiwan’s industry,” Lin said in the statement, adding that the Hon Hai Research Institute would continue to invest in the field, accumulate experience and integrate talent, resources and technologies at home and from abroad.
Planned and built by the research institute for nearly two years, the lab is committed to building universal quantum computers based on trapped ions, Hon Hai said.
The lab aims to explore key technology research, including quantum control, scalable computer architectures, and chips integrating micro-ion traps and optoelectronics circuits, it said.
In addition, “this laboratory will also combine Hon Hai group’s capabilities and talents in precision manufacturing, semiconductors and packaging to accelerate quantum hardware technology development and further grow the related tech sectors,” the company said.
Hon Hai plans to introduce new-generation multi-zone ion traps at its annual Tech Day event on Wednesday at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center’s Hall 2.
The event is also expected to showcase the company’s progress in electric vehicles and artificial intelligence applications for smart cities and factories, as well as the latest developments in low-orbit satellites and digital health.
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