China, Quantum Computing; IBM, Heifers
July 15, 2021
This is probably an unfair comparison but, why not? Navigate to “Chinese Quantum Computer Sets Record in Processing Test.” The write up states:
Scientists in China have claimed another benchmark in computing, saying their quantum device takes just 72 minutes to do a task that would take the most powerful supercomputer at least eight years.
Is this true? Maybe, maybe not. But the PR is fantastic. China, a technology leader. Beating Google and other US quantum wannabes. I can almost hear the applause in the Chinese National People’s Congress.
The write up added:
The Chinese scientists said they used random quantum circuit sampling as a metric to evaluate the power of their quantum processor.
Shortly after spotting this Chinese marketing-centric item, I read “Heifer International and IBM Work with Coffee and Cocoa Farmers in Honduras to Increase Access to Data and Global Markets.” That write up reports:
Heifer International and IBM, together with CATIE, an international organization focused on sustainable and inclusive human well-being in Latin America, are also working with farmers to deploy the Watson Decision Platform for Agriculture. The system combines predictive AI technology with geospatial, weather, environmental and IoT field data in a comprehensive dashboard tailored to a farmer’s land. It delivers weather alerts and other information, such as optimal planting patterns and expected yields linked to market pricing. These insights can help farmers and agribusinesses make more informed decisions for improving crop yield and value, as well as food safety and sustainability. The technology is expected to play an important role in increasing the incomes of coffee and cocoa farmers.
Quite a juxtaposition. A marketing push from China for quantum computing. IBM pushes with the Heifer tie up with good old Watson.
Stephen E Arnold, July 15, 2021
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