Aisin Seiki and QC Ware have agreed a research collaboration to explore the impact of quantum optimization and quantum machine learning algorithms on automotive applications.
The collaboration will utilize commercially available quantum computers from D-Wave Systems and Rigetti Computing.
Aisin is a global supplier of components and systems for the automotive industry and one of the world’s largest transmission manufacturers. Its customers represent a wide range of automotive manufacturing giants, including Toyota, Volkswagen, PSA, Volvo, and the BMW.
Katsuhiko Eguchi, executive general manager, corporate R&D division, Aisin Seiki, says: “The auto industry must change drastically to meet the new dynamics of next-generation mobility.
“At Aisin, we continuously build our technological capabilities, focusing on innovation and future-oriented research and development. Our goal is to advance digital transformation, and to bring new value-added products to global markets.
“QC Ware and Aisin’s research is focused on solving critical automotive parts design challenges, including quality assurance in automatic transmission software.
“We are also exploring how we can remove computational bottlenecks in big data calculations on logistic services. We want to be well-prepared with top-rate quantum computing skills when quantum computers are ready for commercial use.”
An IDC report, Quantum Computing Adoption Trends: 2020 Survey Findings, indicates that while most manufacturing companies demonstrate a high interest in quantum computing, only a small percentage have been able to jumpstart their quantum computing initiatives partially due to complex technology and skillset limitations.
Peter Rutten, research director, IDC, says: “QC Ware has an interesting top-down approach to making quantum computing practical for businesses.
“They build algorithms for distinct industrial use cases and then run those algorithms on whatever hardware is most suitable – as a quantum simulation on classical computers, on a D-Wave system, on IBM’s Quantum service, or on Rigetti.”
Rutten adds: “IDC found that Aisin was able to begin understanding the potential of quantum computing for improving their manufacturing operations beyond traditional methods. They have subsequently initiated two POCs, thanks to the collaborative research with QC Ware’s algorithms experts.”
Matt Johnson, CEO, QC Ware, says: “Aisin is at the forefront of emerging tech and research initiatives in Japan and globally.
“While the main objective of our research collaboration is knowledge transfer and quantum computing skills building for competitive advantage, it also helps us at QC Ware to understand how quantum algorithms can address the current and future needs of the automotive industry.”
