Quokka: Your Personal Quantum Computer

Quokka was inspired by the introduction of low-cost, but limited computing devices in the 1970s that spurred innovation leading to companies such as Apple, Microsoft and Oracle. Started as a rudimentary tool for use in the quantum software undergraduate major at the University of Technology Sydney, Quokka was envisaged as a smart device that perfectly mimicked a small quantum computer. Being primarily targeted at students in a way akin to an interactive textbook, the device needed to be low-cost, robust and portable, say to access as part of class activities or to innovate on your own and able to inspire.

Powered by a small, single board computer that is stripped down to include only Eigensystems custom quantum emulation software and APIs, we designed Quokka to invoke a feeling of playful curiosity for a new technology like quantum. Initially Quokka (named “theQ”) was translated across from early prototype devices built internally at UTS, but the product required a significant redesign and rebuild to lower production cost and streamline supply chaining and manufacturing at scale. Appropriate branding was developed, leveraging a natural name starting with “Qu” - as common in the quantum industry - and linking to the Australian origin of Quokka

Eigensystems launched Quokka at Quantum Australia in Sydney in February 2024 to great success. With pilot programs and initial retail sales, over 250 Quokkas have been sold, around the world. Spurred by the reaction to Quokka, Eigensystems entered into contracts with three quantum computing manufacturers to produce a Quokka ‘collectible’ series, scale models of their multi-million dollar systems to be sold based of the Quokka design. With distribution starting globally, Quokka is earmarked to be used extensively in the 2025 international year of quantum technology, soon to be ratified and announced by UNESCO.

Despite the technological sophistication of quantum computing, Quokka was designed to be easy to use. It is designed to be operated like any other smart device, with an Android and iOS app used to “on-board” your Quokka to a home, office or school wifi. The app is designed to allow teachers to manage a fleet of Quokkas for their class and each unit is designed to be directly accessible via direct IP through your network or through the internet by tunnelling with a custom sub-domain through the quokkacomputing.com website. This allows teachers and students to access their own quantum computer, anywhere in the world, share their quokka with others, enact over-the-air updates as Eigensystems bring new and more advanced emulation software online, increasing the ability of Quokkas to mimic larger and larger quantum computers. Our base-board design takes inspiration from photonic based quantum architectures, displaying an integrated photonics quantum circuit through the light window, next to the Schrödinger equation and the Quokka logo. The design of the brand, through the logo and the name of the device - the “puck” eludes to a cheeky playfulness that will be mirrored through all of Eigensystems branding for Quokka and the educational platform.