Quantum computers, simulators, and agents

The ultimate scope and power of computers are determined by the laws of physics. Quantum computers exploit the rules of quantum mechanics, using quantum coherence and superposition for new ways of information processing. Their realization requires precise control of matter on the atomic scale and its interactions with the environment. The question, to what extent quantum effects could also be employed in natural and less controlled systems, including biological ones, is exciting but still open. In this talk, I will discuss some of our recent work on physical and biologically inspired models of (quantum) information processing and their applications for computation and learning.