IonQ, Hyundai Motor to Explore Quantum Computing for AVs

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IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), a quantum computing firm, and Hyundai Motor Company today announced a new project to apply quantum machine learning to image classification and 3D object detection.

The goal is to improve the computation process for tasks such as road sign image classification, and simulation in a real-world test environment to expand 3D object detection. Image classification and 3D object detection are vital to autonomous vehicles. (AutoInformed.com on: Recalls – Unintended Acceleration on Hyundai Ioniq EVs; Hyundai Motor 2020 Business Direction – Electrification, Autonomous Vehicles, Mobility Services. Sound Familiar?)

IonQ and Hyundai will look to for more efficient machine learning on quantum computers, as they can process enormous amounts of data faster and more accurately than classical systems. “Using a breakthrough in encoding images into quantum states, IonQ is already well underway in classifying 43 types of road signs using IonQ’s quantum processors,” the company claimed. The next phase will see the two companies apply IonQ’s machine learning data to Hyundai’s test environment and simulate various real-world scenarios.

Today’s announcement is the latest initiative between IonQ and Hyundai Motor, following a January notice that the two companies had partnered to use quantum computers in improving performance, cost and safety of lithium batteries for EVs.

“From partnering on battery research for electric vehicles to image classification and object detection research for automated driving, we expect to see quantum computers become an even more integral part in developing novel transportation solutions,” said Peter Chapman, President and CEO of IonQ.

As part of this project, IonQ and Hyundai will look to develop quantum techniques for the broad task of 3D object detection, expanding the current work on recognizing road signs to include other objects like pedestrians or cyclists. Running object recognition tasks on IonQ’s latest quantum computer, IonQ Aria, should enable more efficient processing with lower costs, leading to the development of safer, more intelligent mobilities in the future. “With 20 algorithmic qubits (#AQ), IonQ Aria is the industry’s most powerful quantum computer based on standard application-oriented industry benchmarks,” IonQ claimed.