Quantum Horizons: A Pragmatic Analysis for AGI

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Gabriel Axel Montes
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Quantum Horizons: A Pragmatic Analysis for AGI

Expert Rating

4.0

Overview

Mathematician–quantum scientist Lucija Grba and neuroscience-AI specialist and SingularityNET veteran Gabriel Axel Montes (Neural Axis) team up for a rigorous investigation of the pragmatic benefits of using quantum computing (QC) in advancing artificial general intelligence (AGI). Discriminating against potential benefits that call for unrealistic or untimely advancement in quantum hardware, this work will distinguish between realistically attainable results and hype. The efforts of testing and incorporating any uses of quantum computing identified through this research will be performed within the limits of the OpenCog Hyperon framework.

RFP Guidelines

Review of quantum computing technologies

Complete & Awarded
  • Type SingularityNET RFP
  • Total RFP Funding $80,000 USD
  • Proposals 10
  • Awarded Projects 1
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SingularityNET
Oct. 4, 2024

This RFP seeks to critically evaluate the role of quantum computing in advancing Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). The goal is to distinguish between realistic capabilities and hype, providing clear insights into the practical benefits and limitations of quantum computing for AGI architectures, particularly within the OpenCog Hyperon framework. Part of this should involve interacting with the Hyperon team who've built the existing and in-development MeTTa interpreters.

Proposal Description

Company Name (if applicable)

Neural Axis

Project details

Introduction

In this proposal, Lucija Grba—award-winning quantum scientist and mathematician—and Gabriel Axel Montes—a neuroscientist and consciousness researcher, AI specialist, and SingularityNET veteran—are teaming up (see “About the Team” below) to conduct a stringent and clear-eyed examination of the role that quantum computing may play in advancing AGI. Driven by experience and passion for the potential of quantum computing to advance humanity and AI to new heights, the team aims to separate the reality from the exaggeration to elucidate where the opportunities lay with quantum for AGI, including the potential for the Hyperon system.



Research Plan

This research will commence with an in-depth literature review of QC technologies and interviewing engineers and experts in the field of QC. These may include quantum approaches such as entropy QC (EQN), gate-based QC, adiabatic QC, and others. This will be closely followed by an analysis of the relevance of QC paradigms to AGI, including identification of current problems that hinder the advance of AGI. Among the problems found in this AGI-relevant analysis, the aim will be to identify those for which quantum may offer solutions/capabilities that enhance AGI system performance. These potential solutions and QC capabilities will then be thoroughly examined against the following metrics: quality of the solution, time complexity and computational complexity. These metrics will enhance the project’s assessment of scalability, energy efficiency, and cost, as well as the potential to integrate QC with AGI systems, including Hyperon

The quality of each QC solution/capability will be judged by comparing the accuracy of the result possible to achieve with the proposed quantum solution, and the state-of-the-art classical solution. The time complexity metric will question whether the solution lowers the amount of time required to perform a certain given task or whether it can for example transform a big task into a smaller one (in a way that cannot be done as optimally through classical computing). The computational complexity may be measured by the amount of resources (though this leaves some room for ambiguity) required to run the algorithm that achieves the desired solution. Although it may seem as if what’s sought for is the answer on whether quantum supremacy can be reached soon, the question this research actually hopes to answer is whether quantum computing may offer help that could help advance AGI. For example, depending on the problem at hand, accuracy may be the most important metric, while reasonably small compromises in time complexity are acceptable. A comparative analysis between QC and classical computing will be included for each of the potential QC solutions/capabilities in order to further highlight the relative utility and dis/advantages of QC. Numerous other metrics will be considered, before a verdict is reached on whether quantum computing can truly enhance the development of AGI. 

Based on review and analysis, we will identify use cases where AGI components, e.g. pattern matching or resource allocation, could benefit from certain quantum computing methods and features. Furthermore, based on the distilled results of this research stage, recommendations for further research will be made for further experimentation with quantum computing in AGI, e.g. recommending identified promising quantum computing platforms and methods for particular AGI research tasks. 

The use of ZX-calculus, a visual language for manipulating quantum processes and states, and possibly other tools may be utilized for creating detailed analyses to this end, helping to determine which quantum computing tasks can effectively enhance AGI systems, such as Hyperon.

To ensure that the research is useful for current AGI advancement, the OpenCog Hyperon framework will be used as an example of software for AGI. With respect to the cognitive components/modults of the Hyperon AGI system; through review and interaction with the Hyperon team, the project will evaluate (1) the limitations of current hardware in providing optimal processing for the various cognitive modules of these systems, and (2) the potential applicability of QC and how it may compare with /supersede the current state-of-the-art hardware for the computational requirements respective to the cognitive modules of Hyperon/OpenCog (and/or cognitive synergy).

The research will also examine potential quantum computing hardware resources available on the market for possible future use in AGI experiments. This may offer additional potential for follow-up research with AGI and Hyperon.

The work will explore the more advanced aspects of AGI that may be difficult to achieve and quantum may help find answers to. For example, algorithms such as quantum reservoir computing may be helpful in timely information processing, and this project will endeavour to elucidate whether this field might need to be further developed before it’s considered useful enough for AGI. In any case, this project is anticipated to result in distinguishing between QC hype and potential for AGI tasks (including an evaluation of Hyperon), and recommendations for future research on AGI QC.

The findings of this research will result clarification of applicabilities of QC to AGI. If a feasible application of quantum computing is found helpful in advancing any aspects of AGI, this is great news and will surely start a ripple effect of progress in the field. It may even inspire more funding for quantum applications within AI in general. Alternatively, quantum computing could be found not yet optimally useful for some particular AGI task(s) for the time being. However, “the fields to look out for” within quantum will be identified and their progress can be tracked until they can eventually offer value for AGI. 

Resources

The requested project resources/budget reflect the time, expertise, and the value of the background knowledge of and relationships with the SingularityNET and Hyperon team that is anticipated to add significant value to the project proposal.

About the Team

Lucija Grba’s expertise in mathematics and quantum combined with Gabriel Axel’s experience in the AI industry (particularly his long-time relationship with SingularityNET and the Hyperon/OpenCog team) and keen interest in quantum (including for advanced AGI implications for high-end cognitive capabilities and consciousness) make them an exceptional and motivated team for this research project. Furthermore, both of their vast networks of peers in academia and industry will be an excellent resource throughout the project. Gabriel's experience on collaborative engagement between the Hyperon team and the project's quantum expertise allows him to manage the project among other work.

Lucija Grba

MSc, Quantum Science and Technology; BSc Mathematics
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucija-grba-b9671a195/ 

Lucija Grba is a quantum scientist and ex- Quantum Algorithm Engineer at Quandela, a leading photonic quantum computing company. She earned her Master of Science in Quantum Science and Technology from Trinity College Dublin (with Distinction), where she was recognized with the Microsoft Ireland scholarship for her academic excellence. At Quandela, Lucija was instrumental in advancing the company's software platform, Perceval, which facilitates the programming of photonic quantum computers. Her role involved the development and optimization of quantum algorithms, particularly focusing on Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) problems with applications in finance and logistics. Collaborating closely with Quandela's theory and R&D teams, she contributed to the enhancement of algorithm design and the effective utilization of quantum hardware. Lucija's contributions to the field are further exemplified by her authorship of articles such as "Budgeting with Qubits: Make the Most of Your Photons," where she explores the efficient use of photons in quantum computations. This demonstrates her ability to simplify complicated topics in a way that the general public could understand. Her academic and professional journey reflects a profound commitment to the advancement of quantum computing technologies. Lucija has been accepted to a quantum computing PhD program at the University of New South Wales (commencing mid-next year) 

and has been awarded one of Sydney Quantum Academy’s PhD Partnership scholarships. Her research project will be conducted in collaboration with Sydney’s silicon quantum computing company Diraq and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). She is currently on sabbatical and able to devote adequate time to this project.

Gabriel Axel Montes

PhD (Medicine, Neuroscience, Philosophy of Mind); Founder, Neural Axis
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielaxel/ 

Gabriel Axel Montes, PhD, is a neuroscientist, entrepreneur, consciousness practitioner, and musician. He has helped AI startups go from 0 to 1 and scale (including as a founding team member of the first decentralized AI project, SingularityNET), and led technical teams and fundraised to create applications in neurotechnology, AI, VR, robotics, IoT, and blockchain. A proponent of the benefits of both inner and technological approaches for the evolution of the mind, Gabriel has over 10,000 hours of integrated practice with the cultivation methods of the world's wisdom traditions, and as a philosopher-technologist, he is the co-author of the seminal book "The Consciousness Explosion" on AI and consciousness. Gabriel wears hats in both science and the arts, and is a founding member and guitarist of the world's first band featuring an AI-powered humanoid robot vocalist. He is an avid international traveler, nature enthusiast, and a passionate father and husband. For more info, visit neuralaxis.org 

Open Source Licensing

Custom

The project document, being a literature review and analysis, will be made open-source for the benefit of the broader community and AGI/Hyperon development.

Proposal Video

Not Avaliable Yet

Check back later during the Feedback & Selection period for the RFP that is proposal is applied to.

  • Total Milestones

    4

  • Total Budget

    $64,000 USD

  • Last Updated

    8 Dec 2024

Milestone 1 - Identification of QC paradigms & research plan

Description

This milestone represents commencement of the research setting the stage for further project work. It will include a research plan and early-stage preliminary findings about potential project directions around quantum approaches and their possible applicability to AGI.

Deliverables

1. Submission of a comprehensive research plan outlining the quantum paradigms and implementations to be explored. 2. Early (preliminary) identification and analyses of several potential quantum approaches (e.g. quantum-classical hybrid computing entropy quantum computing (EQN) photonic reservoir computing etc.) and suggestions of their possible application areas within AGI systems. 3. Proposal of a detailed project plan including methodologies for evaluating the selected paradigms.

Budget

$16,000 USD

Success Criterion

A foundation for further project research will have been attained, where the team has gathered a scope of potential QC approaches as well as possible AGI application areas, subject to refinement in later milestones.

Milestone 2 - Substantial research progress

Description

At this stage the research will have amassed adequate mapping of QC capabilities allowing for distinguishing between reality and hype. This will enable painting a picture of how to pragmatically leverage QC to advance AGI. This stage precedes the identification of use cases.

Deliverables

1. Further fleshing out of the research findings in a text document containing additional information and details on the identified quantum paradigms. 2. Additional theoretical and practical findings on how quantum hardware could improve AGI system performance scalability or cognitive efficiency. This stage may optionally begin looking at existing quantum hardware e.g. QCI’s quantum computers and/or others to note (and cross-reference findings against) current market products that could be leveraged for AGI systems.

Budget

$16,000 USD

Success Criterion

QC literature review and AGI-relevant analysis have progressed substantially, evidenced by a lengthened research text document (with bibliographic references). This is the step that will allow identification of potential use cases.

Milestone 3 - Continued deeper research progress

Description

This stage will advance project research to a deeper analysis of AGI-relevant QC capabilities identifying opportunities related to performance efficiency scalability comparative analysis (to classical computing) reliability and so on. Relevant quantum hardware will be reviewed in particular products available on the market e.g. QCI’s quantum computers and/or others).

Deliverables

1. Updated documentation reflecting deeper analysis of QC paradigms AGI-relevant analysis performance considerations hardware opportunities and other considerations. 2. Review of quantum hardware including products available on the market. 3. Partial identification of potential use cases for QC in AGI including Hyperon/OpenCog.

Budget

$16,000 USD

Success Criterion

At this stage, the research will have attained greater clarity over the applicability of QC to key AGI tasks, e.g. reasoning, pattern recognition, and resource allocation; and greater clarity over AGI performance.

Milestone 4 - Completion of Project Research

Description

This stage will have completed the scope of the “literature review and AGI-relevance analysis” phase of research setting the larger foundation for next-stage R&D using the insights from this research. This stage will provide clarity regarding where quantum and classical computing have dis/advantages and complementarities for specific AGI functions/tasks. This stage will have identified realistic use cases for QC in AGI including Hyperon/OpenCog. Enablements from completion of this project for future research could include acquisition of quantum hardware to conduct experiments utilization of quantum algorithms and QC methods to advance AGI functions/tasks including Hyperon components. This stage may include a high-level overview of possible cognitive enhancements for humans in the era of brain-computer interfaces (BCI) where humans and AGI are more closely coupled.

Deliverables

1. Detailed findings on the QC paradigms’ and quantum hardware’s impact on AGI performance scalability and computational efficiency. 2. Analysis on how quantum hardware meets or may enhance the computational requirements of the various cognitive modules of AGI including Hyperon. 3. Identification of realistic use cases for QC in AGI including Hyperon/OpenCog. 4. Further analysis of results pointing out possible integrations or further study paths for the selected hardware and QC paradigms and approaches. This may include potential suggestions for acquisition of quantum hardware or quantum cloud computing for experiments. 5. Optional: If not addressed in the previous milestone this stage would include a high-level explorative overview of how QC affordances may potentially enhance human (or human-AI–coupled) cognition that may open up in the future due to the ingress of brain-computer interfaces (BCI).

Budget

$16,000 USD

Success Criterion

This stage will have separated reality from hype in QC potential for AGI tasks; elucidated the state of the art of QC paradigms and quantum hardware; how they can optimally enhance AGI and Hyperon (including vs. classical computing methods) functions, tasks, and performance, efficiency, scalability, reliability, etc; identified realistic use cases for QC in AGI, including within the Hyperon/OpenCog framework; and (optionally) intimated potential ramifications for human-AGI–coupled cognitive enhancements from QC in the coming era of BCI.

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Expert Ratings

Reviews & Ratings

Group Expert Rating (Final)

Overall

4.0

  • Feasibility 4.7
  • Desirabilty 4.3
  • Usefulness 4.7
  • Expert Review 1

    Overall

    4.0

    • Compliance with RFP requirements 4.0
    • Solution details and team expertise 4.0
    • Value for money 4.0

  • Expert Review 2

    Overall

    4.0

    • Compliance with RFP requirements 5.0
    • Solution details and team expertise 4.0
    • Value for money 5.0
    A very solid proposal to review the QC/Hyperon intersection in-depth, but other proposals aim to make more technical progress

    This is a very strong proposal that aims to do exactly what is requested in the RFP, and the team seems competent to do it. The mix of QC and cognitive/consciousness expertise on the team is intriguing. However there are other proposals that suggest actually doing some simulation runs or actual QC computing runs to bolster the conclusions of the conceptual review... so that is something to think about...

  • Expert Review 3

    Overall

    4.0

    • Compliance with RFP requirements 5.0
    • Solution details and team expertise 5.0
    • Value for money 5.0

    Good proposal with good task understanding. Could have better mappings between AI (esp AGI) algorithms and QC performance.

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