By Gaea Marelle Miranda, M.Sc.May 21 2019.jpg)
Image Credit:Shutterstock/plotplot
The concepts of both quantum computing and 3D printing are extremely complicated and difficult to grasp without having to conduct extensive research. Perhaps the simplest way of defining quantum computing is the ability to work on millions of computations at once, instead of only one computation running at one time. The truth is, quantum physics, mechanics, computing–anything that is associated with the word quantum is yet to be completely understood.
Quantum Computers
A lot of research is still being done to see how quantum mechanics can be applied in different fields of science. However, just going by the simple definition provided earlier, quantum computing appears to be a concept that, once realized in its entirety, will benefit the scientific community greatly. Even now, in its early stages, small-scale quantum computers are proving to be helpful in solving problems at a much faster pace than classic computers. Quantum computers will prove to be even faster and more powerful than the supercomputers that we have at present.
Given how quantum computers may potentially be faster than current computers, which incidentally, are the same computers that are involved in 3D printing, it would certainly be an advantage to continue developing and researching quantum computing. 3D printing seemed to be such a novel idea in the past, but it has since been used in many applications in a lot of industries. Some industries that are benefiting from 3D printing include, construction, healthcare, manufacturing, product design, aerospace, automotive, food production and many others.
Application of Quantum Computing and 3D Printing in Aviation
There is actually one area in which quantum computing and 3D printing could work together and that is in the field of aviation. At the present, 3D printing is still not being used in as large a scale as it could potentially be. However, given time and more advances in technology, it will not be long before 3D printing will allow for higher production of various products. Right now, 3D printers are being used not only to manufacture car parts or aircraft parts, but even food or body part replacements. Once 3D printers become large enough to quickly produce these items, there will be the question of how they will be transported to where they need to be. Of course, the most efficient and fastest way of transporting goods is via air travel, and when 3D printing production becomes more mainstream, more aircrafts will be sharing the airspace as they transport these 3D-printed goods.
You might ask, where does quantum computing factor into that scenario? Well, having more aircrafts in the sky will require better monitoring of the airspace to prevent any unwanted disasters from happening. More flights plans will also need to be approved as more cargo airplanes will be taking off filled with the 3D-printed goods. There’s also the matter of tracking these aircrafts as they travel to ensure that they reach their intended destination. Monitoring the weather and making forecasts are also important to ensure that the aircrafts will be flying safely. All of these things are being done now by computers, and for all of these to be done effectively, the current classical computers that we have, perhaps even the supercomputers at present might not be able to keep up with all of the functions that need to be carried out. This is where quantum computers will be most helpful as they are designed to carry out a lot of computations at the same time, something that this conundrum will certainly benefit from.
Conclusion
For now, the primary obstacle here is that large-scale quantum computers are still quite out of reach and even if they already are, they will cost a lot of money to make. The same goes for 3D printers. However, perhaps in the future, the usage of these two things will be more feasible as we make more advancements in technology and find ways to make things more accessible to everyone.
Sources
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the author expressed in their private capacity and do not necessarily represent the views of AZoM.com Limited T/A AZoNetwork the owner and operator of this website. This disclaimer forms part of the Terms and conditions of use of this website.