The Significance and Potential of Quantum Computing in the Automotive Industry

(AnalyticsInsight) The automotive industry players have been following developments in quantum computing for years, as it provides computational advancements that could fortify capabilities across the value chain. A majority of OEMs and tier-one suppliers have already begun exploring the technology’s ability to resolve some existing issues and benefit the industry, such as route optimization, fuel-cell optimization, and material durability.
in an effort to capitalize on quantum computing, Volkswagen in 2019 joined hands with D-Wave, a Canadian quantum computing company. The partnership was intended to demonstrate an efficient traffic-management system that optimized the travel routes of nine public-transit buses during the 2019 Web Summit in Lisbon. Volkswagen is not alone in the automotive quantum race. In the same year, German multinational engineering and technology company Bosch invested US$21 million in Zapata Computing’s Series A round, a company that aims to be the leading developer of quantum algorithms.
Automaker giant Ford also tapped quantum computing technology, working with NASA to examine how the technology can improve its business. Reportedly, one idea being explored is routing diesel delivery vehicles in such a way to minimize harmful pollutants by ensuring their drive cycles are operating within an optimal range. Another idea is improving productivity in its manufacturing plants.