Volkswagen manages traffic through a quantum computer

The use of a quantum computer will make it possible to accurately calculate journey times and manage traffic volumes for taxis and buses.

The Volkswagen Group is advancing its use of quantum computers for the future. The development of this new algorithm has focused on transport in large cities, such as taxis and buses. The German manufacturer’s idea is to test this system in the city of Barcelona.

On the other hand, the main goal of the Volkswagen Group is to expand the use of quantum computers to develop applications for the company. In addition, the German manufacturer sees “possibilities” to apply this knowledge to “traffic infrastructure” and “vehicle interconnection” in the development of autonomous driving.

Better management of public transport

“Taxi and public transport companies are very interested in managing their fleets efficiently,” says Florian Neukart, Principal Scientist at the CODE Lab of Volkswagen, in San Francisco. The German brand’s idea is to reduce waiting times for users and better manage traffic in large cities thanks to the use of quantum computers. Florian Neukart also explains that “quantum computing” can have a major impact on the business world and on people’s daily lives.

Regarding the use of this tool developed together with D-Wave, this technology will allow this system to manage traffic, transport demand and travel time more accurately. The plan of both companies is to present this joint project at the WebSummit in Lisbon.

Quantum computing: an impact on people’s daily lives

These systems use mobile phone movement data or car transmitters. Using traditional computers, they calculate the amount of traffic and the number of agents involved. At that point, the use of an algorithm makes it possible to set so-called “demand points” to provide transport to all users.

As the Volkswagen Group confirms, this would allow adjusting public transport routes at specific times of the day. Some of these adjustments would mean that buses would travel a shorter distance “without passengers”, there would be a greater amount of transport in “high-demand areas”, or waiting times for users would be shorter.