Pasqal, the world’s leading manufacturer of neutral atom quantum processors, has recently declared a new collaboration with BMW Group to improve the automaker’s principal manufacturing operations.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/ Yurchanka Siarhei
BMW Group intends to investigate the potential application of quantum computing technology to metal forming application modeling by leveraging Pasqal’s algorithm for solving differential calculus (issues where a change in one of the variables does not homogeneously influence the result).
These applications necessitate comprehensive simulations to ensure that auto parts meet specifications. Predictive and quick virtual modeling will lead to safer designs, more sustainable products and zero-prototyping in the production process.
Pasqal’s scientists have built a digital-analog implementation of its quantum methods that is customized for its neutral-atom quantum processors, making these implementations 30 times more effective than on competing superconducting quantum processors.
Since current classical computational techniques are not capable of dealing with the problems of simulating an entire vehicle at the desired precision, the extremely accurate computational simulation would enable BMW Group to substitute costly physical build-test-improve cycles. Such simulations will eventually assist BMW Group in producing lighter parts, allowing cars to be more fuel-efficient.
Pasqal was chosen as the winner of the BMW Group Quantum Computing Challenge last year, which prompted this partnership. Previous collaborations centered on the development of quantum computational methods for chemistry and materials science, which can be used to optimize battery designs at the atomic level, for example.
The renewed partnership broadens the scope of this work to include other relevant time and length scales, as well as micro-and macro-level material simulations.
Renewing and extending the scope of our collaboration with BMW Group is a clear sign of the value Pasqal can bring to our customers. Each time we collaborate with BMW Group, we discover something more we can do to help them develop superior automobiles.
Georges-Olivier Reymond, CEO, Pasqal
“Pasqal currently offers the only method on the market for solving these types of differential equations with quantum technology, which are critical to executing effective and accurate simulations. We’re proud to work with BMW Group to improve manufacturing processes and safety through our technology,” Reymond says.
Pasqal claims that these use cases are ideal candidates for early quantum advantage using its proprietary quantum algorithms, which the company expects to achieve within the next two years. These intricate simulations will be run in Pasqal’s facilities for six months.
Crash testing and accelerated emergence of new parts and materials that are stronger and lighter, keeping passengers safe while reducing emissions and development prices, are real-world applications for these simulations.