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Quantum Technologies In Industrial Manufacturing
Industrial Manufacturing
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Quantum physics as described by the Center for Strategic & International Studies is “Quantum physics is the study of matter and energy at the most fundamental level.” The technologies that use the properties identified by quantum physics to create new capabilities in computing, communication, sensing, etc., are termed Quantum technologies.
While the study of quantum mechanics started in the early 20th century, the development of quantum technologies kicked off fairly recently. The first phase of this revolutionary technology has provided a foundation to our understanding of the physical world. After about a century of research, we are entering a second phase using the quantum principles to develop various quantum technologies such as quantum computing, sensing, communication, cryptography, measurements, simulation, etc.
The understanding of quantum principles can be difficult as it involves subjects like quantum entanglement and super-positioning. These are two popular concepts that form quantum principles. However, to make it easy, let us define them in simple layman language.
- Quantum Entanglement: Quantum Entanglement describes how two particles are dependent on the quantum states of each other and act like a single entity (despite being physically separated). Quantum entanglement is the basis of generating alerts to physical intrusion and eavesdropping on communication channels.
- Super-positioning: Super-positioning describes how matter can simultaneously exist in more than one quantum state.
Prominent Quantum Technologies
Quantum technology is an emerging and exciting area of research and development that has the potential to transform many aspects of our society and economy. It has evolved rapidly in the past few decades, thanks to several breakthroughs on the technology side and a significant increase in investments.
The prominent technologies developed by using quantum properties are computing, simulation, sensing, and communication. Though there are also other developments but these four majorly cover 80% of the entire technological developments. Below is a representation of these four technologies:
Sectors/Applications for Quantum Technologies
Quantum technology is a field of science and engineering that uses the principles of quantum physics to create devices and applications that have extraordinary capabilities. Quantum physics is the study of the behavior of subatomic particles, such as electrons, photons, and atoms, that can exist in more than one state at the same time. This property is called quantum superposition, and it allows quantum systems to store and process information in ways that classical systems cannot.
Quantum technology has the potential to revolutionize a wide range of applications and sectors ranging from healthcare to Industrial manufacturing. Many countries have recognized the potential of quantum technology and are investing in it to develop computing, communication, and sensing capabilities.
Below are some of the major domains in which Quantum technology can be implemented:
Apart from this there are other applications of Quantum technology such as in material science, metrology, condensed-matter physics, high-energy physics, atomic physics, quantum chemistry, cosmology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, weather forecasting, navigation etc.
 | BMW Group – Quantum technology developments: BMW Group and PASQAL, a leading manufacturer of neutral-atom quantum processors, have partnered to apply quantum computing in car design and manufacturing processes. The collaboration aims to improve automotive primary manufacturing processes, including the applicability of quantum computing algorithms to car design, metal forming applications modeling, and aerodynamics: |
- Metal Forming Applications Modeling: The partnership between BMW and PASQAL involves analyzing the applicability of quantum computational algorithms to metal forming applications modeling, which can help optimize manufacturing processes. Metal forming requires extensive simulations to ensure car parts conform to specifications before changing any processes. Rapid, accurate modelling can make the manufacturing process safer and more sustainable, without wasting time and materials with physical prototyping.
- Car Design: BMW is using quantum computing to accelerate its car design process, allowing for faster development of lighter parts and more efficient vehicles. Pascal’s team of researchers has developed a digital-analog implementation of its quantum methods, tailored for its neutral-atom quantum processors, which makes these applications “30 times more efficient” than on competing superconducting quantum processors.
Their approach requires them to create a significant amount of quantum entanglement between qubits. The more the entanglement, the more powerful (more accurate) will be the method. This entanglement by applying 2-qubit gate operations (which entangle 2 qubits) is created in a fully digital implementation. In the digital-analog version of the algorithm, this entangling operation is replaced by an analog operation, which is a multi-qubit operation. The replacement of the 2-qubit gates by this analog multi-qubit operation makes the method much more efficient, and noise robust at the same time.
Classical computers do not have the processing power to deal with a full-vehicle simulation at a high level of accuracy. Accurate simulation using quantum computing could ultimately lead to BMW being able to create lighter parts, making cars more fuel-efficient without sacrificing safety. PASQAL also won the Quantum Computing Challenge – “simulation of material deformations” organized by BMW Group. At that time the company was known as Qu&Co.
“The reduction in development costs that PASQAL’s simulations may allow BMW to achieve cannot be quantified at this point of time. “In general, we see a trend towards replacing costly and time-consuming build-and-test cycles in automotive R&D with digital research (creating ‘digital twins’ of the car or car parts).
The financial benefit related to this should be quantified in both the cost saved for the physical build-and-test process, the cost of the material saved (using less metal while maintaining the same structural strength), and perhaps most importantly the significantly improved time-to-market of a new generation of cars.” said Benno Broer, CCO at PASQAL
 | BASF – Quantum technology developments: BASF, the world’s largest chemical company, partnered with PASQAL, to collaborate on weather modeling and other applications. The focus of this collaboration is to improve weather modeling and enable more efficient climate change modeling. Some key aspects of the BASF and PASQAL partnership include: |
- Weather Modeling: BASF aims to enhance its ability to predict weather patterns by leveraging PASQAL’s proprietary quantum algorithms and technology. This can have significant implications for various industries that rely on accurate weather forecasts, such as agriculture, transportation, and energy.
- Climate Change Modeling: The collaboration between BASF and PASQAL also aims to support climate modeling and predict the impacts of climate change more effectively. By utilizing quantum computing, the partners can develop advanced models that help understand and address the challenges posed by climate change.
- Farming Optimization Software: BASF’s portfolio includes farming optimization software, such as the xarvio Field Manager, a crop optimization platform. The company uses weather models to inform its software’s crop growth simulations, pesticide drift, and other metrics. By incorporating PASQAL’s quantum systems, BASF can enhance the accuracy and reliability of its farming optimization solutions.
- Quantum Algorithms for Differential Equations: PASQAL’s work with BASF involves parameterizing, implementing, and testing PASQAL’s proprietary family of quantum algorithms for solving differential equations. This can have broader applications beyond weather and climate modeling, as differential equations are fundamental in various scientific and engineering fields.
The collaboration between BASF and PASQAL has the potential to drive advancements in weather and climate modeling, enabling more accurate predictions and better understanding of the impacts of climate change.
 | SEEQC, a company developing the first digital quantum computing platform for global businesses, is also a partner with BASF, and is exploring applications of quantum computing in chemical reactions for industrial use. The collaboration between SEEQC and BASF focuses on various aspects of chemical reactions and catalysis. Some key areas of their partnership include: |
- QUPHARMA Project: BASF and SEEQC are collaborating in the QUPHARMA project, where BASF applies its substantial expertise to critical pharmaceutical research, combined with SEEQC’s quantum computing capabilities. This partnership aims to advance pharmaceutical research and development by leveraging the power of quantum computing.
- Homogeneous Catalysis: SEEQC and BASF are working together to explore applications of quantum computing in homogeneous catalysis. Homogeneous catalysis is a process where the catalyst and the reactants are in the same phase, typically a liquid or gas. Quantum computing can potentially enhance the understanding and optimization of these catalytic processes, leading to more efficient and sustainable chemical reactions.
- Industrial Catalyst Simulations: SEEQC’s proprietary quantum chip-based computer supports commercial simulations of industrial catalysts on a large scale. By partnering with BASF, SEEQC can further develop and apply its quantum computing capabilities to the simulation and optimization of various industrial catalysts, enabling more efficient and sustainable chemical processes.
The collaboration between SEEQC and BASF in exploring quantum computing applications in chemical reactions has the potential to drive advancements in the chemical industry, leading to more efficient, sustainable, and innovative solutions for various sectors.
Apart from PASQAL & SEEQC, BASF has built an entire ecosystem for Quantum technology that includes:
- Government relations and Interest Groups: They are active on a national and international basis to ensure long-term fundamental progress, amongst others. Also, they are a member of the European Quantum Industry Consortium (QUIC), the German Quantum Technology and Application Consortium (QUTAC), the OPENSUPERQ Industrial User Board, BITKOM E.V. as well as QUPHARM and the Advisory Board of Q4Climate, an initiative aimed to explore how quantum computing could help humanity reach its sustainability goals.
- Academic Collaborations: They collaborate with academic partners to ensure long term fundamental progress, e.g., they work with the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in their quantum computer initiative with IBM and are part of the Fraunhofer Competence Network Quantum Computing. Furthermore, they also participate in an Innovative Training Network funded by the European Union that aims at training early-stage researchers in the field of quantum science and technology.
- Investments: They invest worldwide in young, fast-growing companies and funds related to their current and future businesses via the corporate venture capital company of the BASF Group. In 2019 and 2020, BASF Venture Capital invested in Zapata Computing Inc. which aims to be the market leader in quantum algorithms and software, providing a complete toolset for solving problems on near term quantum computers.
- Industry and Commercial Partnerships: Together with their commercial partners they focus on the near-term realization of use cases, e.g., they work together with Robert Bosch GmbH, HQS Quantum Simulations GmbH, Friedrich‐Alexander‐University Erlangen‐Nürnberg and Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf in a project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. In addition, they have established research partnerships with strong quantum computing companies Google and Zapata Computing Inc. to jointly develop quantum computing algorithms for industrial applications.
 | Airbus – Quantum technology developments: Airbus, a leading aerospace manufacturer, has shown its interest in quantum technology in various areas of its operations. Some key initiatives and applications of quantum technology by Airbus include: |
- Flight-Physics Challenges: Quantum technologies enable Airbus to address advanced flight-physics challenges. The company partners with external experts, including academia and start-ups, to leverage quantum computing and other quantum technologies for solving complex aerospace problems.
- Quantum Computing Challenge: Airbus has launched the Quantum Computing Challenge, a competition that invites experts to leverage computing capabilities to solve complex aerospace challenges. This initiative demonstrates Airbus’ commitment to pushing the boundaries of quantum technology in the aerospace industry.
- Quantum Computer Benchmarking: Airbus has been a pioneer in quantum computer benchmarking, collaborating with experts from engineering and flight physics, as well as leading academic and industry experts. This benchmarking process helps Airbus understand the capabilities and potential applications of quantum computers in the aerospace sector.
- Collaboration with BMW Group and Quantinuum: Airbus, BMW Group, and Quantinuum have developed a hybrid quantum-classical workflow to fast-track sustainable mobility research using cutting-edge quantum computers. This collaboration aims to leverage the power of quantum technology to drive advancements in sustainable mobility solutions.
- Climate Studies: Airbus is working on a project that aims to bring Europe into a leading position for sustainable quantum technologies, with a focus on climate studies. By utilizing quantum technologies, Airbus can contribute to a better understanding of climate change and develop more efficient and sustainable aerospace solutions.
 | Hyundai – Quantum technology developments: Hyundai and IONQ, a quantum computing hardware and software company based in College Park, Maryland, announced their collaboration to develop machine vision algorithms capable of conducting object detection on three-dimensional data from autonomous vehicles using IONQ’s quantum computers, and to use IONQ’s quantum computers to simulate electrochemical reactions of varying metal catalysts to advance the effectiveness of next-gen batteries. The initial success of these early projects has led Hyundai to pursue additional joint research with IONQ on several new techniques. Some key initiatives and applications of quantum technology by Hyundai include: |
- Quantum Machine Learning for Image Processing: Hyundai has been working with IonQ, a quantum computing company, to apply quantum machine learning to image processing, specifically for object detection and classification in autonomous vehicles. This research involves encoding images, such as road signs, into a quantum state for more efficient analysis and recognition.
- Quantum Computing for Next-Generation Batteries: Hyundai and IonQ have partnered to use quantum computing to advance the effectiveness of next-generation lithium batteries. By leveraging IonQ’s expertise in quantum computing and Hyundai’s knowledge in battery technology, the teams aim to develop more efficient and high-performance batteries for electric vehicles.
- Quantum Computing for Object Detection in Autonomous Vehicles: Hyundai and IonQ are collaborating to develop quantum techniques for 3D object detection in autonomous vehicles. This project aims to improve the computational functionality and efficiency of object recognition, enhancing the safety and performance of Hyundai’s autonomous driving systems.
- Exploration of Metal Catalyst Chemical Reactions: Hyundai’s earlier efforts in studying lithium compounds and battery chemistry have led the company to expand its scope and explore new metal catalyst chemical reactions for future vehicles. Quantum simulations and insights gained from these studies can potentially help Hyundai engineers develop higher-performance electric vehicles at reduced costs.
 | Rolls-Royce – Quantum technology developments: Rolls-Royce, a British luxury car and later an aero-engine manufacturing business established in 1904 in Manchester, has been actively working on quantum computing technology in collaboration with various partners. Below are some of the latest news on Rolls-Royce’s quantum technology: |
- Rolls-Royce has developed and delivered complex power and propulsion solutions for future technologies, including quantum computing.
- Rolls-Royce, NVIDIA, and Classiq, a quantum software company, have designed and simulated the world’s largest quantum computing circuit for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) using NVIDIA’s quantum computing platform. The circuit measures 10 million layers deep with 39 qubits, and Rolls-Royce plans to use it for modeling the performance of jet engine designs in simulations that use both classical and quantum computing methods.
- Rolls-Royce is working with quantum computing software start-up Classiq on a hybrid approach to quantum computing that will speed up testing. This will involve parts of the algorithm run on a quantum and parts on a classical computer. The long-term partnership will see Rolls-Royce engineers work on algorithms that solve and model fluid dynamics, ensuring they are ready to go when quantum machines reach “advantage” – the stage when they run the same equations faster than the fastest supercomputers.
- Rolls-Royce and Xanadu, a quantum computing company, are co-developing new quantum algorithm tooling for PennyLane, Xanadu’s open-source quantum computing software widely used for quantum machine learning, chemistry, and optimization. The first project will develop quantum software functionality tailored for Quantum Singular Value Transformation (QSVT) in PennyLane to help Rolls-Royce accelerate its research into quantum algorithms for aerospace applications.
 | General Motors – Quantum technology developments: General Motors (GM), an American multinational automotive manufacturing company headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, United States, has been involved in quantum technologies through various partnerships and investments: |
- GM has acquired a substantial minority ownership position in QUANTUM, a company that specializes in fuel cell technology, to collaborate on improving the range of GM’s fuel cell vehicles using quantum technology.
- General Dynamics Mission Systems, a subsidiary of GM, is investing in quantum technologies like secure communications and faster computer processing to turn science fiction into quantum-engineered solutions.
- GM’s Global Alternative Propulsion Center has awarded Quantum Technologies Worldwide Inc., a subsidiary of IMPCO Technologies, additional contracts to develop alternative fuel technology.
- In 2001, GM bought a 20% stake in Quantum Technologies, a unit of alternative fuel technology.
- Quantum Technologies and Alan Perriton, a former senior executive of GM Asia/Pacific, have joined the Plug-In Hybrid Development Consortium to develop plug-in hybrid vehicles.
- Simone Severini, who works for GM’s Quantum Technologies, has a PhD in quantum information processing and has been involved in various aspects of quantum technology since the late 90s.
Overall, GM’s involvement in quantum technologies has been primarily focused on fuel cell technology, alternative fuel technology, and plug-in hybrid vehicles. GM has also invested in quantum technologies for secure communications and faster computer processing.
Limitations & Challenges
Quantum technology has the potential to offer unprecedented advantages in speed, security, precision, and complexity over classical technology. However, quantum technology also faces many limitations and challenges that need to be overcome before it can be widely adopted and used.
Some of the main limitations and challenges of quantum technology are:
Qubit decoherence: Qubits are very fragile and sensitive to noise and interference from their environment, which can cause them to lose their quantum properties and collapse into a definite state. This phenomenon is called qubit decoherence and it limits the quality and duration of quantum computation and communication. To prevent or correct qubit decoherence, various techniques such as error correction codes, fault-tolerant architectures, and physical isolation are required.
Scalability: Another challenge of quantum technology is to scale up the number of qubits and the complexity of quantum operations while maintaining high levels of coherence and fidelity. Current quantum devices have only a few tens or hundreds of qubits, which limits their ability to perform useful tasks and achieve quantum advantage over classical devices. Scaling up quantum devices to thousands or millions of qubits requires overcoming many engineering and design challenges, such as reducing noise and crosstalk, increasing connectivity and control, and optimizing fabrication and integration.
Hardware development: Developing high-quality quantum hardware, such as qubits, control electronics, optical components, and cryogenic systems, is a major challenge that requires advanced materials science, nanotechnology, engineering, and physics. Different types of qubits have different advantages and disadvantages in terms of coherence time, operation speed, scalability, and error rate. For example, superconducting qubits have fast operation speed but short coherence time; trapped ion qubits have long coherence time but slow operation speed; photonic qubits have high fidelity but low scalability. Finding the optimal hardware platform for different quantum applications is an ongoing research topic.
Software development: Quantum software is also much more complex than classical software and requires a different paradigm of programming and algorithm design. Quantum algorithms exploit quantum phenomena such as superposition, entanglement, and interference to solve problems that are hard or impossible for classical algorithms. However, quantum algorithms are also more difficult to implement, debug, test, and optimize than classical algorithms. Developing user-friendly and efficient quantum software tools, such as programming languages, compilers, libraries, frameworks, and simulators, is a key challenge for making quantum technology accessible and practical.
Post-quantum cryptography: Quantum technology poses a serious threat to the security of current cryptographic systems that rely on the hardness of certain mathematical problems such as factorization and discrete logarithm. Quantum algorithms such as Shor’s algorithm and Grover’s algorithm can potentially break these systems in polynomial time. This means that quantum technology could compromise the confidentiality and integrity of many digital services such as online banking, e-commerce, e-government, etc. To counter this threat, post-quantum cryptography is a field that aims to develop new cryptographic schemes that are resistant to both classical and quantum attacks.
High Cost of Development: A single qubit costs $10000 or more. To do something useful, the requirement would be for 50 or more qubits (usually 100 & more) and thus, the commercial viability of quantum computers is not expected anytime soon.
Market Analysis – Scope & Investments
The main drivers of the market growth are the increasing investments in quantum research and development, the rising demand for high-performance computing and secure communication, and the emergence of new applications and use cases.
The regional distribution of the quantum technology market is also expected to vary depending on the level of innovation, adoption, and regulation in different countries. North America is predicted to be the biggest regional market for quantum technologies overall, due to its strong presence of leading players such as IBM, Google, Microsoft, Intel, and others. China is expected to lead the Asia-Pacific region, due to its ambitious national strategy and significant achievements in quantum communication and computing. Europe is also expected to play a key role in the quantum technology market, due to its collaborative initiatives and funding programs such as the Quantum Flagship.
McKinsey reports that in 2022, investors poured $2.35 billion into quantum technology start-ups, which include companies in quantum computing, communications, and sensing. This is the highest annual level of quantum technology start-up investment ever. Four of the ten largest investment deals since 2001 closed in 2022, at values of up to $500 million.
The automotive industry has recognized the potential of quantum computing in revolutionizing how vehicles will be designed, manufactured, and operated. Quantum computing can process large amounts of information at unprecedented speeds and solve complex problems that would take conventional computers an inordinate amount of time. The economic impact of quantum technology in the automotive industry is
Major Investments, funding’s & Collaborations:
Other interesting developments:
- Bosch is collaborating with Zapata to explore quantum applications in material science, machine learning, and optimization.
- GE is interested in using ColdQuanta’s technology to improve its sensing and imaging capabilities.
- Siemens has established a dedicated quantum research unit, called Siemens Advanta R&D.
Future outlook
The future of quantum technology is a topic of great interest and excitement for many scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and users.
Quantum technology will create a competitive edge for the early adopters and innovators in the industrial segment. It will also create new markets and business models that will disrupt the existing ones and it requires new skills and capabilities that will create new jobs and opportunities.
According to FutureBridge research, this field will progress leaps and bounds in the coming 5 years due to the amount of funding in research that it has received from government and different industries from chemical to defense. We will see its impact on the industrial segment earlier than anticipated earlier as we see encouraging progress in commercialization of these solutions.
Quantum sensing, especially the PNT sensors, have received significant traction due to its perceived defense importance. We have already seen a size reduction by an order of 10 for such sensors and these would find commercial applications in the next 5 years for critical infrastructure.
Quantum communication in tandem with quantum cryptography has seen a lot of research funding as it again plays in the defense and security space. Although not related to the industrial segment directly, this is another area which will see a lot of research breakthroughs.
Quantum computing, which enables a plethora of application in quantum AI and simulations is by far the biggest and most exciting of the sectors to watch out for. With the collaborations and initiatives mentioned in the article, this has the most potential as a use case for a variety of industrial applications from simulation for material research, optimization problems in manufacturing and supply chain to the next generation of digital twins. The future is indeed exciting for quantum technology and early adopters will have a marked head start.
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