11/16/2018
The Volkswagen Group is making further progress in its work with quantum computers. For the first time, Volkswagen experts have succeeded in developing on a quantum computer a traffic management system that will replace forecasts of urban traffic volumes, transport demand and travel times by precise calculations. As a result, public transport organizations, taxi companies and transport service providers will be able to deploy their fleets more efficiently, minimizing wait times for passengers. Volkswagen and quantum computing specialist D-Wave presented the project at the Web Summit technology conference in Lisbon.
Quantum computers can solve highly complex tasks such as traffic optimization much faster than conventional super-computers; and in some cases, a solution is only possible with quantum computers. For this future-oriented computing technology, Volkswagen sees considerable potential for new applications within the company and new business models.
“Volkswagen is forging ahead with practically-oriented research on quantum computers and gaining essential specialist knowledge,” says Florian Neukart, Principal Scientist at Volkswagen’s CODE Lab in San Francisco. “We want to gain an in-depth understanding of applications of this technology which could be beneficial to the company. This includes traffic optimization as public transport organizations and taxi companies in large cities are highly interested in managing their fleets efficiently. Our quantumoptimized traffic management system could assist them in the future.”
