Two Detroit-based leaders of Accenture, a global professional services company, have co-invented a “quantum computing machine learning module” that trains artificial intelligence (AI) models to determine when and how computational tasks would be best handled by quantum computing versus classical computing methods, and route them to the appropriate option.
As a result of the work by Carl Dukatz, principal director in Accenture’s quantum computing practice, and Dan Garrison, managing director at Accenture Digital and the office managing director of the metro Detroit office, Accenture was awarded its second U.S. Patent for quantum computing. Lascelles Forrester, managing director of Accenture Digital, also is listed as a co-inventor.
Garrison also was one of the co-inventors last year of Accenture’s first U.S. Patent for quantum computing. Accenture has operations in downtown Detroit and Livonia.
The innovation could help organizations understand where quantum computing can have the most impact within their businesses, and when classical computing may still be the best option for a given task.
U.S. Patent No. 10,275,721 describes a solution to address the tradeoff between the benefits of using quantum computing versus classical computing resources. By determining when and how to utilize the power of quantum computing, such a system can help perform computational tasks in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible. Additionally, the module described has the ability to learn to prioritize certain tasks. As more advanced and efficient quantum and classical systems are introduced over time, the quantum computing machine learning module can adapt accordingly.
“Quantum computing has enormous potential, offering truly groundbreaking capabilities to rapidly solve businesses’ most difficult computational challenges,” says Marc Carrel-Billiard, senior managing director of Accenture Labs. “And determining when to employ quantum — as opposed to, or in tandem with classical computing — is critical to realizing this potential. Our latest patent in this area reflects our ongoing commitment to explore ways to apply the best technologies at the right times for our clients to achieve better business outcomes.”
This patent adds to Accenture’s global intellectual property portfolio, including a patent that Accenture was awarded last year for a “multi-state quantum optimization engine.” It also builds on years of Accenture’s quantum investments, partnerships, and R&D efforts, according to the company.
“Clients look to Accenture to help drive innovation in their organizations, and we are committed to embracing this opportunity at every turn,” says Athina Kanioura, chief analytics officer and global head of applied intelligence at Accenture. “Working to advance applications for AI has been a huge focus for our team, and quantum computing presents yet another avenue for how we can use AI to maximize value.”
