Digital twins, as extremely detailed virtual representations of real-world environments, are pushing the limits of classical computing capabilities, and could be yet another area where quantum computing can open up a broader horizon for how much can be accomplished.
With that in mind, Spain’s Multiverse Computing this week announced a collaborative research project with the Bosch Automotive Electronics plant in Madrid to leverage the power of quantum computing in creating a digital twin of a factory.
Multiverse is implementing quantum-based optimization algorithms at Bosch, and its software will leverage data to assess the performance of individual equipment in the factory, as well as broader production processes to enhance quality control and improve overall efficiencies, including energy and waste management.
Carlos Conde, Technical Vice President of the Bosch factory in Madrid, “The collaboration with Multiverse is focused on improving the productivity and competitiveness of our factory by researching the use of quantum and quantum-inspired machine learning tools, aligned with our global Smart Factory strategy,” stated Carlos Conde, Technical Vice President of the Bosch factory in Madrid. “We have a great expectation about the results of the algorithms development using our Big Data and about to spread this knowledge within Bosch organization.”
The companies expect to have results of the current phase (development and implementation of customized quantum and quantum-inspired algorithms) in the Madrid facility later this year, with a potential integration in a production environment across Bosch manufacturing facilities to follow. Conde said he has “great expectations” for the results of the project and the ability to spread that resulting knowledge throughout the entire Bosch organization.
“We are excited to team with Bosch to take their connected factory strategy to the quantum level,” said Enrique Lizaso Olmos, CEO of Multiverse Computing. “This is one of the first applications of quantum computing with a digital twin. We believe it will provide a whole new level of insight and advantage to Bosch’s manufacturing operations.”
While quantum computing and digital twin technology are only just starting to find one another, Pasqal Chief Commercial Officer Benno Broer recently told IQT News that the increasing integration of high-performance classical computing resources and quantum computing to improve digital twins represents a logical future path.
Dan O’Shea has covered telecommunications and related topics including semiconductors, sensors, retail systems, digital payments and quantum computing/technology for over 25 years.