VW, Google Partner on Quantum Computing Projects

Volkswagen AG is working with Google Inc. to develop useful applications of quantum computing.

VW says the companies will collaborate on three projects using a Google-developed quantum computer. Such devices are vastly faster than conventional computers and in some cases offer the ability to find answers that are virtually impossible to find any other way.

Conventional computers process data in terms of bits that are either on or off. Quantum computers work with “qubits” that may be on, off or somewhere between. Such a computer can simultaneously consider multiple options beyond yes or no, thereby expanding its calculating power.

Quantum computers are highly sensitive to such external influence as the earth’s magnetic field and are not ready for commercial use. But their potential makes them an attractive future technology.

VW says it will work with Google’s experts on traffic optimization, artificial intelligence for machine learning, and the structure of materials intended for high-performance batteries.

In the case of traffic flow analysis, for example, VW will expand its previous work by adding more variables, such as the availability of charging stations for electric vehicle, an ever-shifting map of open parking spaces and the impact of the timing of traffic signals on overall traffic flow.