Toward Quantum Computational Agents

In this chapter, we provide some first thoughts on, and preliminary answers to the question how intelligent software agents could take most advantage of the potential of quantum computation and communication, once practical quantum computers become available in foreseeable future. In particular, we discuss the question whether the adoption of quantum computational and communication means will affect the autonomy of individual and systems of agents. We show that the ability of quantum computing agents to perform certain computational tasks more efficient than classically computing agents is at the cost of limited self-autonomy, due to non-local effects of quantum entanglement.