NaQuaMo: Nachweis von Quantenvorteilen für Mobilität und Logistik
Demonstrating quantum advantages for mobility and logistics
Motivation
Quantum computers are expected to solve certain complex problems much more efficiently than classical computers. However, most known quantum-based methods are based on ‘heuristics’ – approaches whose validity cannot be rigorously proven mathematically. Others offer only moderate advantages, which are quickly negated by the error correction protocols required in quantum computing. There is therefore a risk that many theoretically described quantum algorithms will not achieve any practical relevance.
Goals and Approach
This project investigates whether real optimisation problems exist in logistics and mobility that have sufficient mathematical structure to demonstrate a verifiable and substantial quantum advantage. The consortium brings together partners with expertise in theoretical (UzK) and applied (OTH) quantum informatics, as well as Siemens AG and its subsidiary Siemens Mobility GmbH, leading industrial providers in the field of supply chain management and mobility.
Innovation und Perspectives
Since both arguments from theoretical computer science and empirical evidence from recent years suggest that it is not possible to achieve a demonstrable substantial quantum advantage for generic combinatorial optimisation problems, the partners will specifically investigate use cases that have a rich, ‘algebraically inspired’ structure. Quantum advantages proven in other areas (e.g. cryptanalysis) are known to exist on the basis of such structures. We will search for instances that are relevant to industrial applications.
This project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).
