14 Platform one Researchers in the US and France are using quantum computing to tackle the computational challenges associated with flight path optimisation (writes Nick Flaherty). Quantum computers can help algorithms find new ways to manage complex data such as airspace management. But to effectively apply quantum algorithms in real-world scenarios, it is crucial to thoroughly examine and tackle the intrinsic overheads and constraints in the present implementations of these algorithms. A study at the University of Texas is exploring the application of quantum computers in flight path optimisation problems, and is working on a customisable modular framework designed to accommodate specific simulation requirements. The hybrid quantum-classical algorithm for the optimisation is being tested across various quantum architectures at IBM. This is a key step in optimising uncrewed traffic management (UTM) systems to control UAVs in airspace. This flight optimisation is a multi-variable problem with numerous constraints, such as fuel consumption, flight time, aircraft weight and air traffic control restrictions. The intricacy of the problem stems from the many interconnected variables, which is a challenge for traditional optimisation techniques, as the huge solution space makes finding the optimal solution very time-consuming. Aircraft also operate in rapidly changing conditions – fluctuations in the wind, air traffic control restrictions and equipment failures, for example – which create a dynamic and uncertain environment. These complexities mean accurate models and algorithms have to be developed that can adapt and respond in real time. As the aircraft must decide its be integrated more easily with existing technology and infrastructure than the other technologies. Superconducting qubits have shorter operating times, but they can be sensitive to various types of noise, leading to higher error rates and the need for more advanced error-correction techniques. However, the advantages of neutral atoms and ion traps, such as scalability, long coherence times, and high-fidelity operations, cannot be overlooked, say the researchers. At the same time, a French quantum computer company called Pasqal that uses neutral atoms is working on ways to optimise low-altitude air traffic in Japan. Sumitomo is using the Pasqal quantum computer for a project called Quantum Sky, a quantum demonstration of a future 3D traffic control system to allow UAVs to fly safely. There are currently 170 cities, regions and states in 55 countries around the world developing plans for UTM systems. In the US, there are 46 city/regional programmes underway; 20 in Germany, 15 in China and 13 in Brazil. Airborne vehicles UTM study goes quantum flight path and operating conditions while airborne, flight optimisation requires high computational power and fast algorithms capable of handling large amounts of data and providing solutions within a short time frame. The researchers tested a quantum version of the established Dijkstra algorithm on nine routes, divided into three groups – short domestic flights, long domestic flights and long international flights – using three quantum computing technologies: neutral atoms, ion traps and superconducting qubits. The results showed that quantum computers with neutral atoms and ion traps have similar gate operation times, both of which are much slower than superconducting qubits. This makes the superconducting quantum systems more suitable for executing quantum algorithms requiring fast gate operations to minimise error accumulation. Superconducting qubits are being built with existing semiconductor manufacturing techniques by companies such as IBM, Intel and Honeywell, and can December/January 2024 | Uncrewed Systems Technology One of IBM’s quantum computers is being used for uncrewed traffic management algorithms
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