Greater precision in manufacturing thanks to quantum computers: QUASIM project demonstrates use case

© Projekt QUASIM

There are numerous potential areas of application for quantum computers: logistics, materials research and the financial sector, for example, are considered particularly promising. However, it remains challenging for end users to assess how and where they can actually use quantum computing. The QUASIM project has now succeeded in preparing a specific use case for industrial users and presenting it as a user-friendly prototype.

The consortium, consisting of DFKI, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Fraunhofer IPT, ModuleWorks and TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen, is developing quantum algorithms to optimise industrial applications. A particular focus is on improving manufacturing processes. By using quantum computers, highly complex simulations can be carried out in material processing, which can be significantly more accurate and faster than previous methods. This can lead to considerable savings in resources and costs and at the same time improve the quality of the end products. A key use case of the project is the simulation of metal cuts using lasers, a common process in the German metalworking industry. In a three-minute video, the consortium presents the approaches and successes of the project in detail and illustrates the practical application of quantum computing in modern manufacturing industry.

The focus is on the prediction of thermal expansion during laser cutting, which can lead to tilting of workpieces and thus to costly machine downtimes. The consortium has succeeded in digitally mapping this process and simulating and optimising the laser cutting processes by combining quantum computing and machine learning, in particular graph neural networks. This should enable future users to select the optimum parameters for manufacturing the workpiece and thus reduce rejects and errors.

To facilitate application in industry, the service is to be offered in a user-friendly tool. No knowledge of quantum computing is required to use the tool. This should help both small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large companies to improve the efficiency and accuracy of their laser cutting simulations and corresponding manufacturing processes. The project thus addresses two key challenges: the enormous computing time and power required by conventional computers for such simulations and the shortage of skilled labour.

Projects such as QUASIM are already demonstrating the enormous potential of quantum computing. Thanks to the close collaboration between experts from science and industry, the project is making an important contribution to preparing this pioneering technology for the economy.

Watch the video here.