Teleportation, a staple of science fiction, could one day become a reality thanks to advances in quantum technology. While the idea of “beaming” humans from one place to another might seem far-fetched, quantum teleportation has already demonstrated success at the particle level. Scientists use quantum entanglement to transmit quantum information, or qubits, over long distances without physically moving the particles.
In a groundbreaking experiment in 2020, researchers achieved quantum teleportation over 27 miles of fiber-optic cable with 90% accuracy, marking a significant step toward practical applications.
The Problem with Human Teleportation

Teleporting humans presents a unique philosophical dilemma: does the process preserve the individual’s identity? As theoretical physicist Michio Kaku questions, teleportation might involve “destroying” the original person and recreating an identical version at the destination. “Is the teleported person really the same, or just a clone?” Kaku asks.
This raises ethical and existential questions about whether teleportation constitutes travel or death and rebirth.
Entanglement and No-Cloning Theorem

At the heart of quantum teleportation lies the phenomenon of entanglement. When two particles become entangled, their states are interconnected regardless of the distance between them. This allows instantaneous communication of quantum states without violating physical laws.
However, the no-cloning theorem in quantum mechanics states that a quantum state cannot be duplicated exactly, adding complexity to the teleportation process.
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Notable Quantum Teleportation Experiments

Since the first successful quantum teleportation of photons in 1997 by Anton Zeilinger’s team, scientists have made significant strides. In 2017, Chinese researchers teleported photons to a satellite over 500 km away, and in 2015, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) achieved teleportation over 100 km of optical fiber.
These experiments prove that quantum teleportation can transfer information over vast distances, a critical step toward future technologies.
The Data Problem

To teleport a human, every atom in their body must be scanned and encoded. Physics students at the University of Leicester estimated the total data required to be approximately 2.6×10422.6 \times 10^{42} bits, an unfathomable amount even by today’s advanced computing standards. Transmitting this data using current technology would take longer than the age of the universe.
The immense challenge underscores the need for revolutionary advances in computing and data processing.
Holographic Teleportation

While true teleportation remains theoretical, holographic teleportation, or holoportation, offers a practical alternative. NASA successfully holoported a doctor onto the International Space Station in 2022, allowing virtual interaction across vast distances.
This technology uses holograms transmitted via hololens devices, offering promising applications in medicine and communication.
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Applications Beyond Travel

The implications of quantum teleportation extend far beyond human transportation. A quantum internet powered by teleportation could revolutionize secure communication and enable the seamless transfer of quantum information across the globe.
Additionally, applications in quantum sensing and cryptography could improve precision measurements and enhance data security in ways previously unimaginable.
The Road Ahead

Despite the challenges, scientists remain optimistic about the potential for human teleportation. As Professor Ronald Hanson of Delft University remarked, “If you believe we are nothing more than a collection of atoms strung together in a particular way, then in principle it should be possible to teleport ourselves from one place to another”.
While true human teleportation may be centuries away, the rapid pace of advancements in quantum technology ensures that the concept remains an exciting frontier of exploration.