Quantum transforms travel

Abstract

As cars become increasingly connected and aircraft ever more sensor-laden, automotive and aerospace companies are making a transition from being 'nuts and bolts' manufacturers to so-called `mobility companies' that collect and use unprecedented amounts of data. All information, however, requires processing at super-fast speeds if it's to be useful. To do this, companies are exploring not only AI and machine learning but also the more experimental realm of quantum computing, to see if it can extract better solutions faster than the classical equivalent. Leading the charge is Volkswagen AG. In November last year, the company announced it had, for the first time, used a quantum computer to develop a traffic management system that, it claims, will replace forecasts of urban traffic volumes, transport demand and travel times by precise calculations. Volkswagen is not alone in its quantum efforts. Nearly every automotive company is currently developing a quantum strategy, including Daimler, BMW, Ford and Toyota. In aerospace, Airbus launched its 'Airbus Quantum Computing Challenge' in January.