Daimler taps Google’s quantum computing expertise
With the 72-qubit Bristlecone chip, Google has just built the quantum computer with the highest number of quantum bits. Qubits are the smallest possible storage unit and serve as a measure of the performance of quantum computers.
In this cooperation, teams of specialists from Daimler Group Research and IT use Google’s quantum computers to investigate specific issues relating to future mobility. The initiative consistently contributes to Daimler’s vision of providing comprehensive support to customers in future not only as a vehicle manufacturer but also as a mobility service provider. In this respect, Daimler is following the same path in its cooperation with Google as its competitor Volkswagen.
“Quantum computing could play a decisive role in the development of sustainable and efficient mobility solutions in the future, but also in a wide range of applications within our company,” said Olla Kalenius, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Research and Development at Daimler. CIO Jan Brecht adds: “This technology is still in the early research and development stage – but the possibilities are enormous. We want to gain experience with this new technology at an early stage. This is why we bring concrete use cases from the automotive and mobility sectors into our research collaborations.”
Unlike today’s computers, quantum computers not only works in a binary number system, but also can handle further states, the so-called superpositions. These intermediate states cannot be represented with classical computers and extend the computing possibilities of the computer enormously. This allows some complex calculations to be carried out at speeds that were previously unthinkable.
Daimler cites as examples for the fields of application of quantum computers
- the choice of new materials based on quantum chemistry, e.g. for the development of battery cells
- the efficient and convenient provision of individual mobility. Autonomous vehicles can be used in urban environments and megacities, which at the same time relieves the traffic infrastructure.
- logistics planning in the van area. Depending on a large number of variables, routes must be planned there and updated in real time.
- the optimization of production planning and production processes
- machine learning for the further development of artificial intelligence.
The research activities in the field of quantum computing are part of Daimler’s CASE strategy and underline the company’s transformation from a vehicle manufacturer to a mobility service provider. CASE stands for Networking (Connected), Autonomous Driving (Autonomous), Flexible Use (Shared&Services) and Electric Drives (Electric). The aim is to create intuitive mobility for customers through intelligent integration of CASE topics.
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