Quantum circuit discovery for quantum-enhanced logistics

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• January 24, 2017
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Not a result (yet), but an intro to a new research direction for our lab. Financed and supported by the Oxford Quantum Hub NQOIT, we’re collaborating with Prof. David Corne from Heriot-Watt’s School of Mathematical & Computer Sciences and local logistics services provider Route Monkey to develop quantum enhanced-software via circuit discovery. HW press release below:

Professor David Corne from the School of Mathematical and Computing Sciences, and Dr Alessandro Fedrizzi, from the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, have been working with Livingston-based company Route Monkey to create innovative algorithms for the company’s transport and travel systems.

The team has now launched a project with NQIT to develop, test and commercialise quantum algorithms.

Route Monkey’s optimisation solutions eliminate unnecessary mileage and improve vehicle utilisation, typically helping to reduce fleet costs by up to 20 per cent and substantially cutting carbon emissions. The algorithms are capable of making millions of calculations in a relatively short space of time, vastly improving on manual transport planning.

Dr Alessandro Fedrizzi from Heriot-Watt University, said, “Quantum computers use the fundamental laws of nature to solve certain tasks faster than classical computers.

“In this collaboration with Route Monkey, we’re developing quantum-enhanced software for real-world applications.”

Colin Ferguson, chief executive of Route Monkey said, “With Heriot-Watt University and the NQIT Hub, we can address the increasingly complex challenges of moving people and goods around our cities, while simultaneously cutting wasted miles and reducing emissions from road transport.”

Founded in 2009, Route Monkey initially focused on developing complex algorithms that provide route optimisation and scheduling software solutions for fleet and transport managers. Route Monkey has expanded its algorithm portfolio to support low carbon vehicles and is now the UK’s leading provider of optimisation solutions for both ultra-low emission vehicles and the energy management of their charging stations.

Phase I of the project is more or less completed thanks due to the fabulous Vaclav Potosek, who unfortunately (for us) had to move on and is now in Prague. But we hope to continue and indeed expand this fruitful collaboration with NQIT’s help.