UTSA | Catalyst | Spring 2022
UTSA Pioneers Advancements in Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing UTSA researchers are developing new forms of AI inspired from the human brain By Ryan Schoensee
When thinking about artificial intelligence, the things that may come to mind are movies directed by Steven Spielberg or starring Will Smith. UTSA researchers are looking to change that by implementing it into
Queue the Qubits. What Are Quantum Computers? Many industries—including science, engineering, finance and
daily life in safe and revolutionary ways.
logistics—are exploring quantum computers because they are
These transformational technologies will fundamentally change
classical supercomputers. Quantum computers enable us to better
how we observe, interpret and interact with the world of data
manage complicated systems like traffic flow, chemical reactions
that surrounds us. These fields have the potential to unlock novel
and artificial intelligence, which relies on processing large, complex
developments that could enhance our future in new and exciting
datasets to develop algorithms that allow for learning, reasoning and
ways that were once thought possible only in science fiction.
understanding.
UTSA has partnered with industries and nonprofits to collaborate
“There are many important products—pharmaceuticals, for example—
on advancing these novel research areas. In October 2021, UTSA
where a computationally expedited design process is not possible,
cohosted the AI and Quantum Symposium, a two-day event focused
due to the exponential scaling of quantum mechanical systems
on the current state of AI and quantum computing with discussions
with their size,” said Tyler Sutherland, an assistant professor in the
about the potential impact of their convergence. The research partners
Department of Physics and Astronomy. “To unlock this potential, we
included MATRIX, UTSA’s AI Consortium for Human Well-Being;
need quantum computers.”
BigBear.ai; and the Maryland Innovation and Security Institute (MISI).
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able to solve certain types of problems exponentially faster than
