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08 Quantum Slots

Quantum Slots was our entry into The New School's 2023 IBM Quantum Design Jam. Quantum computing will change the way we approach technology across all sectors, and as designers, we challenged ourselves to speculate how.

Quantum Slots was a multidisciplinary endeavor, and can best be broken down into: Design + Science + Art.

04 Quantum Slots
04 Quantum Slots
Design: The Hardware

We bought an antique mechanical slot machine and immediately took it apart. We were going to put a quantum computer inside it (not literally).

Acquiring the Slot Machine
Acquiring the Slot Machine
Taking it apart
Taking it apart
Internal components
Taking it apart even more
Inside of slot machine
Learning how it works
Mechanical sounds video
We loved the mechanical sounds
Bringing it home
Bringing it home
Internal view
Inside of slot machine
Science: The Software

This Qiskit quantum circuit simulates our slot machine game by initializing qubits in superposition with Hadamard gates, applying phase shifts with P(π/2) gates, and entangling qubits through controlled-Z operations. It incorporates a depolarizing noise model to simulate realistic quantum noise, enabling the calculation of outcome probabilities by measuring the qubit states.

Our columns for the slot machine, true 3-word sentences are correct.

Qiskit circuit diagram
Qiskit circuit diagram
Code screenshot
Python script in Jupyter notebook connects our machine to the quantum circuit
Expected results
Example of expected results
Art: The Interaction

We used TouchDesigner to create the spinning reel animation as well as a gestural input: simply wave your hand to spin the slots! We then projection mapped the interface into our retro-fitted slot machine.

Regular slot machine
Regular Slot Machine
Calibrating the projector
Calibrating the projector
Quantum slot machine
Quantum Slot Machine
Projector setup
Projector → quantum laptop → slot machine trifecta
Spinning reel animation with gestural input
TouchDesigner interface
TouchDesigner with MediaPipe hand tracking for gestural control
Future Plans

To further elevate this project and meet the evolving demands of our audience, we are focusing on enhancing visuals, features, and interactivity. We plan to introduce a rich soundscape with futuristic tones and immersive effects to create an otherworldly ambiance that complements the visuals and narrative.

Looking ahead, our goal is to make "Quantum Slot" a trailblazer in merging entertainment with education. We envision it as a platform that demystifies quantum computing through play. Whether on the museum floor or at a science fair, Quantum Slots will bring the future of computing to everyone — one pull at a time.

Prototype demonstration
Credits

Special Thanks to:

  • Dr. Paul Kassebaum, Physicist, IBM Quantum
  • Leffin Christopher, Futurist + Artist, The New School
  • Maya Georgieva, Futurist + Technologist, The New School
  • Sven Travis, Prof. of Media & Quantum Design, The New School

In Collaboration with:

  • Sanyukta Bhonsle, MA Media Studies '24, Parsons
  • Jin TianJi, MFA Design and Technology '24, Parsons
  • Qian Xiang, BFA Communication Design '24, Parsons
  • Amelia Dodson, BFA Integrated Design '24, Parsons
  • Sebastian Guerrero, BFA Fine Arts '25, Parsons