Launched in January 2024, the Origin Quantum Wukong is an active commercial superconducting quantum system offering 72 physical qubits for advanced research and industrial applications via cloud access.
The Origin Quantum Wukong represents a significant milestone in the global quantum computing landscape, emerging as China's third-generation superconducting quantum computer. Unveiled by Origin Quantum in January 2024, this system is not merely a research prototype but an active, commercially available platform, signaling a mature phase in the vendor's development trajectory. As a data analyst, understanding the Wukong's specifications and operational context is crucial for evaluating its potential impact and comparing it against other leading quantum architectures worldwide.
At its core, the Wukong system is powered by 72 physical qubits, a substantial number that places it among the more powerful superconducting quantum processors currently accessible. While the system boasts a total of 198 qubits on its chip, the 72 physical qubits are the primary computational units available for gate-based, programmable operations. This distinction is important for analysts, as the 'total qubits' often includes ancillary or control qubits that do not directly contribute to the computational register but are vital for system stability and error correction mechanisms. The Wukong's reliance on superconducting technology necessitates operation at extremely low temperatures, typically near absolute zero, to maintain the delicate quantum states of its qubits. This engineering feat underscores the complexity and sophistication involved in bringing such a system to commercial readiness.
Origin Quantum emphasizes the Wukong's 'full-stack independent' development, meaning the entire quantum computing ecosystem, from hardware to software, is developed in-house. This strategic approach aims to ensure national self-reliance in quantum technology, a critical factor in the geopolitical landscape of advanced computing. For data analysts, this implies a potentially tightly integrated system where hardware and software (like the QPanda SDK and Origin Sinan OS) are optimized for each other, which could lead to performance advantages, though specific benchmarks are still emerging. The system is designed to cater to advanced research and industrial tasks, positioning itself as a tool for exploring complex problems that are intractable for classical computers.
The commercial availability of Wukong through a quantum cloud service democratizes access to this advanced hardware, allowing researchers, developers, and businesses to experiment with quantum algorithms without the prohibitive cost and infrastructure requirements of owning a quantum computer. This accessibility, coupled with Origin Quantum's stated path towards 'mass production' and 'customizable >100 qubits,' suggests a long-term vision for scaling and broader adoption. As we delve deeper into its capabilities, it becomes clear that Wukong is not just a technological achievement but a strategic asset, poised to contribute to the evolving narrative of quantum advantage across various sectors.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| System ID | ORIGIN_WUKONG |
| Vendor | Origin Quantum |
| Technology | Superconducting quantum computing |
| Status | Active commercial system |
| Primary metric | Physical qubits |
| Metric meaning | Computational qubits in Wukong chip |
| Qubit mode | Gate-based, programmable |
| Connectivity | Not confirmed |
| Native gates | Not confirmed |
| Error rates & fidelities | Not publicly confirmed |
| Benchmarks | Billion-param AI fine-tuning (2025) | Superior to classical |
| How to access | Quantum cloud service |
| Platforms | Cloud | On-premise |
| SDKs | QPanda | Origin Sinan OS |
| Regions | N/A |
| Account requirements | Signup |
| Pricing model | Pay per use |
| Example prices | Not specified |
| Free tier / credits | Free incentive program |
| First announced | 2024-01 |
| First available | 2024-01 |
| Major revisions | 3rd gen (2024) |
| Retired / roadmap | Active, mass production path |
| Notes | N/A |
Qubit Architecture and Technology: The Origin Quantum Wukong system is built upon superconducting quantum computing technology, a leading paradigm in the field due to its potential for scalability and high-fidelity gate operations. The system features 72 physical qubits, which are the primary computational units available for executing quantum algorithms. It's important to note the distinction from the '198 total' qubits on the chip; this larger number typically includes auxiliary qubits used for control, readout, or potentially future error correction schemes. The 72 physical qubits are gate-based and fully programmable, allowing for the implementation of a wide range of quantum circuits. Superconducting qubits operate at cryogenic temperatures, near absolute zero, which is a significant engineering challenge but crucial for maintaining quantum coherence. This technology offers inherent advantages in terms of fabrication scalability, but also presents challenges related to thermal management and crosstalk between qubits.
Performance Metrics: The Data Analyst's Dilemma: For a data analyst, the most critical metrics for evaluating a quantum computer's performance are typically qubit fidelity (single-qubit and two-qubit gate error rates), coherence times, and connectivity. Unfortunately, for the Wukong system, these crucial 'error rates and fidelities' are not publicly confirmed. This lack of transparency presents a significant challenge for rigorous, data-driven comparison with other leading quantum systems from vendors like IBM, Google, or Quantinuum, which often publish detailed characterization data. Without these figures, it is difficult to accurately assess the system's noise levels, the depth of quantum circuits it can reliably execute, or its true potential for achieving quantum advantage on real-world problems. While the system's existence and qubit count are impressive, the absence of these fundamental performance indicators means that any assessment of its practical utility must be approached with caution and a call for further data.
Connectivity and Native Gates: Similarly, the 'connectivity topology' and 'native gates' for the Wukong system are also 'not confirmed' publicly. Connectivity refers to how qubits are physically linked, determining which pairs can interact directly via two-qubit gates. A higher or more flexible connectivity (e.g., all-to-all or heavy-hexagonal) can significantly simplify algorithm mapping and reduce the need for costly SWAP gates, thereby improving overall circuit fidelity. Native gates are the fundamental quantum operations that the hardware can directly implement. Knowing these allows developers to optimize algorithms for the specific hardware. The absence of this information makes it challenging for developers and analysts to understand the architectural constraints and potential performance bottlenecks when porting or designing quantum algorithms for Wukong.
Benchmarks and Application Potential: Despite the lack of detailed low-level performance metrics, Origin Quantum has highlighted ambitious 'benchmarks,' including 'Billion-param AI fine-tuning (2025)' and claims of being 'Superior to classical' for certain tasks. While these are forward-looking statements and currently 'single_source_only' facts, they indicate the vendor's strategic focus on high-impact applications, particularly in artificial intelligence. Such benchmarks, if achieved, would position Wukong as a powerful tool for advanced research and industrial tasks, potentially in areas like machine learning, optimization, and materials science. However, analysts should note that 'superior to classical' claims require careful validation against specific problem instances and classical baselines, especially given the current stage of quantum hardware development.
System Limits and Scalability: Information regarding 'limits on shots,' 'depth and duration,' and 'queue and other' operational constraints is 'not confirmed.' These parameters are vital for understanding the practical throughput and reliability of the system for running quantum experiments. However, Origin Quantum has indicated a future capability for 'Customizable >100 qubits,' suggesting a clear roadmap for scaling their superconducting architecture beyond the current 72 physical qubits. This commitment to scalability is a positive indicator for the long-term viability and increasing computational power of their systems.
Software Ecosystem and Accessibility: The Wukong system is accessible via Origin Quantum's quantum cloud service, making it a 'public access' system. It supports programming through the 'QPanda' SDK and operates on the 'Origin Sinan OS,' an in-house quantum operating system. This full-stack approach aims to provide a cohesive development environment. The system is available on 'Cloud' platforms, with 'On-premise' solutions also offered, catering to different user needs and security requirements. Account requirements are standard 'Signup,' and the vendor offers 'Research incentive free time,' indicating efforts to foster adoption and research within the quantum community. For a data analyst, the availability of robust SDKs and a dedicated OS is crucial for efficient algorithm development and execution, even in the absence of detailed hardware performance data.
| System | Status | Primary metric |
|---|---|---|
| Origin Quantum Wuyuan | Delivered commercial system | Physical qubits: 24 |
The Origin Quantum Wukong system marks a pivotal moment in the timeline of quantum computing, with its official announcement and first availability both occurring in January 2024. This rapid transition from announcement to commercial availability underscores Origin Quantum's maturity in quantum hardware development and its strategic intent to quickly deploy advanced systems. As a '3rd gen' system, Wukong represents a significant evolution from its predecessors, likely incorporating advancements in qubit design, control electronics, and cryogenic infrastructure, though specific details on these generational improvements are not fully public. This generational leap is critical for a data analyst to consider, as it implies a continuous refinement process aimed at improving qubit count, fidelity, and overall system stability.
The launch of Wukong in early 2024 immediately positioned it as one of the leading superconducting quantum computers globally by qubit count. Its status as an 'Active commercial system' means it is not merely a laboratory experiment but a functional, accessible platform for external users. This commercial readiness is a key differentiator, indicating a level of engineering robustness and operational stability required for real-world applications. The vendor's roadmap explicitly mentions an 'Active, mass production path,' which suggests a long-term strategy for scaling manufacturing and deployment. This commitment to mass production is a strong indicator of Origin Quantum's confidence in its technology and its ambition to make quantum computing more widely available.
Looking ahead, the roadmap also includes the development of 'Customizable >100 qubits' systems. While the current Wukong offers 72 physical qubits, this future target highlights Origin Quantum's continuous pursuit of increased computational power and scalability. For a data analyst, this forward-looking statement implies that the Wukong architecture is designed with future expansion in mind, potentially allowing for modular upgrades or the integration of larger processors. Furthermore, the benchmark target of 'Billion-param AI fine-tuning' by 2025 provides a concrete, albeit ambitious, future milestone for the system's capabilities. This target suggests that Origin Quantum is not only focused on hardware development but also on demonstrating the practical utility of its quantum computers for complex, high-impact applications within a defined timeframe. The continuous evolution and ambitious targets set by Origin Quantum for the Wukong system underscore the dynamic and rapidly advancing nature of the quantum computing industry.
Verification confidence: High. Specs can vary by revision and access tier. Always cite the exact device name + date-stamped metrics.
The Origin Quantum Wukong is a 3rd generation superconducting quantum computer developed by Origin Quantum. Launched in January 2024, it features 72 physical qubits for computation and is accessible as an active commercial system via a quantum cloud service.
The Wukong system has 72 physical qubits available for gate-based, programmable quantum computations. The chip itself contains a total of 198 qubits, which typically includes auxiliary qubits for control and readout.
Wukong utilizes superconducting quantum computing technology. This approach requires the qubits to be cooled to extremely low temperatures, near absolute zero, to maintain their quantum properties and enable high-fidelity operations.
Yes, the Origin Quantum Wukong is publicly accessible through Origin Quantum's quantum cloud service. Users can sign up for an account and potentially benefit from research incentive programs offering free access time.
Users can program the Wukong system using the QPanda SDK, an open-source quantum programming framework. The system operates on the Origin Sinan OS, which is Origin Quantum's proprietary quantum operating system.
While the system is active, detailed performance metrics such as single-qubit and two-qubit gate error rates (fidelities), coherence times, and connectivity topology are not publicly confirmed. Origin Quantum has, however, cited benchmarks like 'Billion-param AI fine-tuning' by 2025.
The Wukong system operates on a 'Pay per use' pricing model, with compute time being the primary cost driver. While specific example prices are not publicly detailed, a free incentive program is available for research purposes.