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ANU Aims to Develop Quantum Computer with Ambitious Initiative


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Quick Read

  • Australian National University (ANU) plans to establish an on-campus quantum computer.
  • Fujitsu Australia will partner with ANU to accomplish this objective.
  • Researchers from ANU will gain access to quantum systems and simulators in Japan.
  • Fujitsu and RIKEN are working on a quantum machine with 256 qubits, aiming to finish by March 2025.
  • There are plans underway for a future machine with 1000 qubits.
  • The project emphasizes progressing research in cryptography, materials science, and quantum simulations.
  • The partnership seeks to improve higher education and cultivate quantum computing expertise in Australia.

ANU’s Quest for Quantum: Progressing Towards Tomorrow

The Australian National University (ANU) has made a notable advance in the technology sector by announcing its intention to build an onsite quantum computer. To achieve this ambitious objective, ANU has joined forces with Fujitsu Australia. This collaboration is anticipated to enhance Australia’s position in the international quantum computing field.

ANU lays out ambition to have a quantum computer

Strategic Partnership with Fujitsu Australia

In pursuit of its quantum computing goals, ANU has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Fujitsu Australia. This strategic partnership is intended not only to build an onsite quantum computer but also to give ANU researchers and academics access to advanced quantum systems and simulators in Japan. These resources will play a crucial role in bridging the interim period until the onsite quantum computer becomes functional.

Quantum Devices and Emulators

Fujitsu is collaborating with RIKEN, Japan’s national scientific research institute, to create a 256-qubit quantum machine, which is projected to be completed by March 2025. The collaboration also aims to develop a more advanced machine with up to 1000 qubits shortly thereafter. These advancements represent important progress in quantum computing.

Building Local Expertise

ANU has articulated its aspiration to possess an onsite quantum computer in the long term. This initiative is intended to cultivate local expertise and advance research in domains such as cryptography, materials science, and quantum simulations. The partnership with Fujitsu is anticipated to act as a driving force, nurturing a skilled workforce of quantum computing experts in Australia.

Nurturing Quantum Computing Talent

Lachlan Blackhall, a professor at ANU and the deputy vice-chancellor for research and innovation, remarked, “Our partnership with Fujitsu enhances and supports the ANU mission to advance higher education in emerging technologies such as quantum computing. This initiative will contribute to developing a skilled workforce of quantum computing experts in Australia.”

The collaboration will leverage ANU’s expertise in quantum optical physics and quantum algorithms, offering the potential for significant progress in these fields.

Summary

The Australian National University (ANU) is committed to creating an on-site quantum computer, partnering with Fujitsu Australia to achieve this objective. ANU researchers will have access to state-of-the-art quantum systems and simulators in Japan as they pursue their target. This effort aims to enhance Australia’s knowledge in cryptography, material science, and quantum simulations, while also nurturing the upcoming generation of quantum computing experts.

What is the primary objective of ANU in the field of quantum computing?

A:

The Australian National University (ANU) intends to establish an onsite quantum computer to promote research across multiple disciplines and develop local proficiency.

Who is collaborating with ANU for this project?

A:

ANU has collaborated with Fujitsu Australia to create the onsite quantum computer and offer temporary access to advanced quantum systems and simulators located in Japan.

Q: What are the main initiatives that Fujitsu is collaborating on with RIKEN?

A:

Fujitsu and RIKEN are working on creating a 256-qubit quantum computer, with plans to have it completed by March 2025, and subsequently aim to develop a more sophisticated machine with up to 1000 qubits.

Q: In what ways will this initiative be advantageous for Australia?

A:

This effort will strengthen Australia’s expertise in areas such as cryptography, material science, and quantum simulations. Additionally, it will assist in developing a proficient workforce in quantum computing.

Q: What scholastic advantages does ANU anticipate from this partnership?

A:

ANU anticipates that the partnership will advance higher education in cutting-edge technologies, with a focus on quantum computing, and enhance its initiatives in quantum optical physics and quantum algorithms.

When is ANU planning to establish its own quantum computer on site?

A:

Although ANU has announced plans to establish an onsite quantum computer, they have not disclosed a definite timeline for this initiative.

What function will the onsite quantum computer serve when it becomes operational?

A:

The quantum computer located on-site will facilitate advanced research in areas like cryptography, material science, and quantum simulations, aiding in the development of local expertise and promoting innovation.

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Victoria’s transport network integrates survey data into its digital engineering transformation.


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Victoria’s Transportation Network Adopts Survey Data in Digital Engineering Revamp

Victoria’s transportation network incorporates survey data into a digital engineering transformation.

Quick Read

  • The Victorian government rolls out the Victorian Transport Digital Engineering (VTDE) initiative.
  • VTDE seeks to establish a highly interconnected network of digital engineering and asset information by the year 2026.
  • Bentley Systems’ iTwin platform is being utilized to visualize and analyze survey data.
  • Survey data comprises two-dimensional and three-dimensional datasets, photographic meshes, and LiDAR point clouds.
  • Providing better access to data has the potential to enhance policy-making and lower expenses in transportation initiatives.
  • VTDE seeks to remain effective despite changes in government and deliver lasting benefits.

Victorian Transport Digital Engineering Program

The Victorian government has initiated a transformative path with the Victorian Transport Digital Engineering (VTDE) initiative. Defined as a collaborative project within the Victorian Transport portfolio, VTDE seeks to create a “highly interconnected system of digital engineering and asset information” by the year 2026.

At the Bentley Illuminate conference in Sydney, Ban Chee, the reality capture data manager for the VTDE program, emphasized the major advancements in utilizing survey data to enhance decision-making processes.

Survey Data Integration

Victoria's Transport System Embraces Survey Data in Digital Engineering Overhaul

The VTDE program is combining different kinds of survey data, such as 2D and 3D survey information, photo meshes, and LiDAR point clouds. Chee states that the main difficulty at present is merging this data from various origins into a single, user-friendly platform.

Bentley Systems’ iTwin platform plays a central role in this integration initiative, enabling efficient visualization and analysis of survey data. The platform is presently accessible via GIS or IBM Maximo systems utilized for transport asset information.

Impact on Decision-Making

Chee highlighted that making this survey data easily accessible could greatly improve policy decisions and lead to more effective spending on transportation projects. By providing decision-makers and designers in the government with better information, the VTDE initiative seeks to create a setting where informed choices are standard practice.

“We must make sure that high-quality data is both gathered and shared,” stated Chee. “This strategy can avoid duplicate surveying activities and reduce expenses on government infrastructure initiatives.”

Long-Term Vision

One of the main objectives of VTDE is to develop a data resource that retains its value regardless of shifts in government structures or priorities. This consistency is essential for long-term planning and budgeting for future transportation projects.

Chee conveyed confidence that the data resources created through VTDE would remain valuable despite changes in government administrations and departmental reorganizations, all encompassed by the term ‘machinery of government’.

Summary

The Victorian Transport Digital Engineering (VTDE) initiative represents an innovative project designed to establish a cohesive, user-focused repository of survey data. By leveraging Bentley Systems’ iTwin platform, the VTDE program aims to improve policy decisions and efficiency in transport projects, while maintaining long-term utility regardless of changes in government.

Q: What does the VTDE initiative involve?

The Victorian Transport Digital Engineering (VTDE) initiative is a project with the goal of establishing an extensively interconnected digital engineering and asset information ecosystem by the year 2026.

What varieties of survey data are being combined?

The project combines different forms of survey data, such as 2D and 3D survey information, photogrammetric meshes, and LiDAR point clouds.

What platform is utilized for data visualization?

Bentley Systems’ iTwin platform is utilized to visualize and examine the survey data.

Question: What effect will this initiative have on decision-making?

Providing access to survey data will enable government officials and designers to make better-informed decisions, potentially resulting in more efficient allocation of funds for transport projects.

What does the term ‘machinery of government’ refer to?

‘Machinery of government’ describes alterations in government frameworks or priorities. The VTDE project seeks to establish a data resource that retains its value regardless of these modifications.

Q: What strategies does VTDE have to secure its long-term usefulness?

A: By establishing a strong and easily accessible data resource, the VTDE initiative seeks to offer ongoing value for transportation planning and budgeting, regardless of changes in government.

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NSW Government’s $300 Million Regional Mobile Initiative Fails to Deliver, Reaching Less Than 2% of Target


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NSW Government’s $300 Million Regional Mobile Initiative Falls Short, Achieves Less Than 2% of Goal

NSW gov's $300m regional mobile program delivered less than two percent of target

Quick Read

  • The NSW Government’s $300 million investment seeks to enhance mobile coverage.
  • The program achieved only 700 square kilometers of coverage, falling short of the intended target of 36,000 square kilometers.
  • The audit uncovers inadequate management and irregular project business cases.
  • Notable project delays and excessive costs were discovered.
  • Updated goals established for December 2024 and December 2028.

Introduction

The New South Wales (NSW) Government’s bold $300 million Regional Digital Connectivity program (RDCP), designed to improve mobile network coverage, has significantly missed its targets. Initially set to enhance mobile connectivity over an area of 36,000 square kilometres by June 2023, the project successfully covered just 700 square kilometres, as revealed by a recent audit.

Program Overview

Introduced in 2019, the RDCP also encompasses the $100-million Gig State program aimed at enhancing internet connectivity in regional areas. Nevertheless, the initiative has encountered significant criticism for its mismanagement and underestimated cost forecasts. An audit by NSW revealed that the overall goals of the RDCP are still not clearly defined, and inconsistent business cases have further complicated the implementation of the program.

Deficiencies and Delays

The RDCP aimed to offer grants to commercial telecommunications companies for mobile and internet initiatives. Nonetheless, every RDCP project missed its deadline. The audit office was unable to find any proof showing how the department tracked project advancement, resulting in considerable hold-ups. Certain projects were extended by more than a year past their intended completion dates.

The report indicated that inadequacies in project and risk management have led to delays in the program’s implementation. Although some delays were outside the government’s influence, others might have been better handled with proactive risk management tactics.

Significantly Higher Costs

Auditors highlighted one particular project: the construction of a fiber network in the Wamboin, Bywong, and Sutton regions. Despite initial higher cost estimates, the Department of Regional NSW proceeded with a budget of $5 million. Ultimately, costs escalated to over $12 million, necessitating additional funding to finish the project.

“The auditor noted that the budget was inadequate, leading to a more complicated and lengthy process, and stressed that following earlier advice could have made operations more efficient.”

Revised Targets

Following the audit results, the NSW government has established new objectives. They now plan to provide 12,279 square kilometers of additional mobile coverage by December 2024, with an expansion to 60,000 square kilometers by December 2028. These updated targets aim to address previous deficiencies and improve mobile connectivity throughout regional NSW.

Summary

The $300 million Regional Digital Connectivity program by the NSW Government has encountered considerable challenges in meeting its ambitious objectives. As of June 2023, merely 700 square kilometres have been covered out of the intended 36,000 square kilometres. The endeavor has suffered from ineffective management, fluctuating business cases, and notable cost overruns. New targets have been established for December 2024 and December 2028 to tackle these problems and enhance mobile connectivity in regional regions.

What was the original objective of the RDCP?

A:

The primary objective was to enhance mobile coverage over an area of 36,000 square kilometres in New South Wales by June 2023.

How extensive was the actual mobile coverage?

A:

By the specified deadline, only 700 square kilometers of mobile coverage had been attained.

What were the primary concerns discovered during the audit?

A:

The audit uncovered key issues such as inadequate management, inconsistent project business cases, major delays, and budget overruns.

Q: What updated goals has the NSW Government established?

A:

The updated goals are set to achieve 12,279 square kilometres of new mobile coverage by December 2024 and increase this to 60,000 square kilometres by December 2028.

Which particular project experienced notable cost overruns?

A:

The installation of a fiber network in the Wamboin, Bywong, and Sutton areas faced substantial cost overruns, rising from an original budget of $5 million to more than $12 million.

How did shortcomings in management lead to delays?

A:

Shortcomings in project and risk management resulted in considerable delays in finishing projects, with several being postponed by more than a year past their intended deadlines.

What does the Gig State initiative entail?

A:

The Gig State project is a $100-million endeavor as part of the RDCP, focused on enhancing regional internet connectivity in New South Wales.

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