What Quantum Computers Mean for AI in the Automotive Industry
Quantum computers promise a revolution in computational power—far beyond what is possible with classical supercomputers. They could transform the working world in a way similar to what we are currently experiencing with artificial intelligence: profoundly and disruptively. The QAIAC project brings these two key technologies together. Researchers from Forschungszentrum Jülich, part of Helmholtz Information, are collaborating with partners such as Mercedes-Benz, ZF Friedrichshafen AG, and the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) to explore the potential of quantum computers for AI applications in the automotive industry. (Source: Forschungszentrum Jülich – Press Releases)
Google’s quantum computer Willow recently made headlines: it solved a complex computational problem in just five minutes—something that today’s fastest supercomputers would need ten quadrillion years to accomplish, a number with 25 zeros. However, this problem was purely academic, without practical relevance. In contrast, the QAIAC project focuses on real-world applications. While quantum computers have made impressive strides in recent years, they are still in the very early stages of development. For many industrial and AI-related tasks, it remains unclear to what extent they can actually provide a speed-up. After all, not every theoretical advantage translates into a practical one.
In QAIAC, researchers aim to gain deeper practical insights to better assess the real benefits of quantum computing. The predecessor project Q(AI)², which concluded in March last year, already laid the foundation for quantum-accelerated AI algorithms in collaboration with several major German automotive manufacturers. Now, the goal is to demonstrate tangible quantum advantages for the first time—or at least to create the necessary conditions for them. The focus is on optimization problems, such as planning transport routes, manufacturing processes, or assessing the quality of finite element meshes in product development. The ultimate objective is to drive innovation and further accelerate the development of quantum computing.
FZJ/T. Schlößer & I. Heese, 12.02.2025
Note: The article has been translated from German to English. It is based on a press release from FZJ.
Localization in Helmholtz Information:
Helmholtz Information, Program 2: Natural, Artificial and Cognitive Information Processing, Topic 2: Quantum Computing
Contact:
Dr. Tobias Stollenwerk
Peter Grünberg Institute (PGI)
Institute for Quantum Computing Analytics (PGI-12)
Forschungszentrum Jülich
Phone: +49 2461 61-2076
E-Mail: to.stollenwerk@fz-juelich.de
Contact for this press release:
Tobias Schlößer
Press Officer
Forschungszentrum Jülich
Phone: +49 2461 61-4771
E-Mail: t.schloesser@fz-juelich.de
Dr. Irina Heese
Communication and Outreach JUQCA (Jülich Quantum Computing Alliance)
Forschungszentrum Jülich
Phone: +49 2461 61-85847
E-Mail: i.heese@fz-juelich.de
About Helmholtz Information:
The Research Field “Helmholtz Information” is one of the six research fields of the Helmholtz Association and serves as its digital innovation center. Here, advanced and future computer architectures merge with insights from materials research, data science, and life sciences. Inspired by nature, supported by brain research, and enriched by modern approaches in artificial intelligence, experts from the Forschungszentrum Jülich, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin are shaping the digital future in science, business, and everyday life.
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