Quantum Computing Could Add Billions in Value to the Automotive Sector

(TechHQ) Quantum computing could add billions in value to the automotive sector, with applications in route optimization, materials research, and much more.
The automotive and transportation sectors have been quick to capitalize on QC’s potential, and have successfully showcased how effective the technology can be with several pilots.
Several OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and tier-one suppliers are actively discovering how the technology can benefit the industry by resolving existing issues related to route optimization, fuel-cell optimization, and material durability.
Just last year, Volkswagen partnered with D-Wave to demonstrate an efficient traffic-management system that optimized the travel routes of nine public-transit buses during the 2019 Web Summit in Lisbon.
Significant investments have already been made, with German supplier Bosch acquiring a stake in Massachusetts-based quantum start-up Zapata Computing, contributing to a US$21 million Series A investment.
BMW, Daimler, and Volkswagen have announced that they are actively pursuing QC research, including quantum simulation for material sciences, aiming to improve the efficiency, safety, and durability of batteries and fuel cells.