Alternative AI, unconventional and quantum computing

Exploring unconventional computing to unlock groundbreaking possibilities in AI, creativity, and human expression
Eduardo Miranda performing computer music in the House, Plymouth
Title: Alternative AI, unconventional and quantum computing
Funding amount: £845,949
Location: UK
Dates: 2021–present
Project partners: University of Oxford, Quantinuum, Moth Quantum, DESY Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (Germany), Einstein Center Digital Futures (Germany), Stochastic Labs (USA), Barcelona Supercomputing Center (Spain), BioFaction (Austria), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Germany)
University of Plymouth PI: Professor Eduardo Miranda  
University of Plymouth staff: Dr Craig McNeile , Dr David Jenkins , Hari Shaji  
 

Overview

Computers are no longer just tools for the arts and humanities; they are catalysts for the next great cultural and scientific revolution. As computing technology continues to advance, it will transform how artists create, how performers engage with audiences, and how researchers explore the humanities. This pioneering project explores unconventional computing to unlock groundbreaking possibilities in AI, creativity, and human expression.
Unconventional computing goes beyond the limitations of traditional silicon-based machines by harnessing the potential of biological computing, physical reservoir computing, and quantum computing. These approaches process information in ways that have never been explored before. As a result, they are reshaping the very foundations of computation and opening doors to forms of intelligence and creativity that we are just beginning to understand.
At the Interdisciplinary Centre for Computer Music Research (ICCMR), we are pioneers in the rapidly evolving field of quantum computer music. This project pushes the boundaries of what is possible, applying quantum technologies to the creation, performance, and analysis of music, as well as advanced audio processing. It builds on established traditions of computer music and sound processing by adapting generative methods and representations, such as Markov chains and random walks, as well as audio sampling, into quantum frameworks. Additionally, we are developing novel quantum-specific algorithms to leverage quantum mechanics for musical and audio signal processing purposes.

This project approaches AI differently. Instead of following the common path of prediction, imitation, or quantitative optimisation, we are investigating new computational paradigms and architectures to redefine what AI can become. This involves creating methods that do not depend on large amounts of data or energy-heavy infrastructures but instead prioritise eco-friendly and resource-efficient alternatives.

Central to this work is the belief that the humanities and arts are not secondary, but crucial, to the development of AI. By embracing diversity, ambiguity, and interpretative complexity as methodological strengths, we aim to develop forms of AI that function as tools for cultural investigation – systems that not only perform calculations but also engage with the richness, complexity, and contradictions of human experience.

Eduardo MirandaProfessor Eduardo Miranda
Professor in Computer Music

Objectives

Develop alternative paradigms of AI through unconventional computing, exploiting the dynamics of reservoir systems and the potential of quantum reinforcement learning to overcome current scalability and efficiency bottlenecks in machine learning.
Investigate the bioelectric signalling and computational potential of the slime mould Physarum polycephalum to design prototype bioprocessors and hybrid bioelectronic components, laying the groundwork for sustainable, biologically inspired computing platforms.
Advance quantum computing technologies to enable next-generation generative algorithms for music and audio, providing new tools for creation, performance, and analysis while demonstrating quantum computation’s transformative potential in creative domains.
Leverage emerging computing architectures to develop interpretable AI frameworks that integrate perspectives from the arts and humanities, ensuring that next-generation AI systems are not only powerful but also explainable, human-centered, and ethically informed.

Eduardo Miranda meeting Brian Eno and Peter Gabriel
Eduardo Miranda speaking with Brian Eno and Peter Gabriel about the research
Ilyas Khan presenting Quantum Computer Music by Eduardo Miranda
Ilyas Khan, Vice-Chairman and Chief Product Officer of Quantinuum, presenting one of the project's key outputs
Eduardo Miranda processing music with slime mould
Eduardo Miranda giving presentation on quantum music
Researcher producing computer music
 
 
 
 
 

Publications

Miranda, E. (2025). Advances in Quantum Computer Music. World Scientific. https://doi.org/10.1142/14025
Miranda, E. R. (Ed.) (2022). Quantum Computer Music: Foundations, Methods and Advanced Concepts. Springer International Publishing AG. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-13909-3
Miranda, E. R. (Ed.) (2022). Quantum Computing in the Arts and Humanities: An Introduction to Core Concepts, Theory and Applications. Springer International Publishing AG. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-95538-0
Miranda, ER. (2021). Handbook of Artificial Intelligence for Music Foundations, Advanced Approaches, and Developments for Creativity. Springer International Publishing AG. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-72116-9
Miranda, ER. (2017). Guide to Unconventional Computing for Music. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-49881-2

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