The future of mobility is poised to be electric, autonomous, and increasingly interconnected and this shift has been ushering in a wave of new enabling technologies clamoring for a place in the automotive value chain.
Among these, quantum technologies have garnered significant attention, with a multitude of start-ups and established companies developing solutions using quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum communications for future mobility markets. Quantum computing represents a paradigm shift from classical computing, offering immense potential for solving problems that are currently intractable. By leveraging qubits, superposition, entanglement, and quantum gates, quantum computers can perform parallel computations at unprecedented speeds, opening new frontiers in fields such as cryptography, optimization, and complex system simulations.
A recently report from IDTechEx predicts that the market will surpass $2 billion by 2034, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 25%, largely fueled by opportunities in the automotive sector. The report highlights major innovations vying for success in the future mobility market.
For Better Batteries
Quantum computing is being explored globally for its potential to solve complex quantum chemistry problems. Dr Tess Skyrme, Senior Technology Analyst at IDTechEx, explains that future quantum machines could significantly accelerate the simulation of nano-scale material physics, leading to the discovery of superior battery materials.
Currently, designing new batteries is a lengthy and expensive process, similar to drug discovery. Classical computing struggles with material simulation accuracy, and experimental trials are notoriously inefficient. Quantum computing could revolutionise sustainability by optimising resource use in battery development and designing inherently cleaner batteries.
With the increasing demand for smaller, longer-lasting, and faster-charging batteries, quantum computing is expected to coincide with the limits of current battery designs. In a decade, the automotive industry may pivot from traditional approaches to embracing quantum computing as a new cornerstone of innovation.
For Supply Chain Success
Economic considerations drive many technological campaigns, and quantum sensor commercialisation is no exception. The future mobility market presents a high-volume supply chain opportunity for quantum technology, despite its association with bulky lab equipment. Quantum sensors could be pivotal in the next generation of vehicle electrification and autonomy.
Quantum 1.0 technologies, such as the photo-electric effect and tunneling, already play crucial roles in modern automotive sensors. For instance, tunneling magneto resistance sensors (TMRs) have gained market share due to their low power and galvanic isolation properties. Looking forward, Quantum 2.0 aims to introduce superposition and entanglement into automotive applications. Developing quantum sensors that offer precise navigation and positioning solutions, un-reliant on GPS, is a priority. Atomic clocks and quantum inertial sensors could enhance positional accuracy from meters to centimeters, essential for the safety and robustness of autonomous systems. The challenge lies in miniaturising these technologies to be market-ready in terms of size, weight, power, and cost. Governments worldwide are investing in manufacturing critical quantum components as a pathway to economic growth, Dr Skyrme said.
Cybersecurity Solutions For V2X Era
Cybersecurity, particularly national security vulnerabilities, remains a critical focus as the world becomes increasingly dependent on the secure transfer of data. The risks of cybersecurity breaches in future mobility markets are significant. The potential for bad actors to take control of autonomous vehicles is a serious threat. As vehicles become more interconnected with each other and the broader Internet of Things (IoT) through ‘vehicle to everything’ (V2X) communication, safeguarding sensitive information, including health data from driver monitoring systems, becomes paramount.
Dr Skyrme noted that quantum technology is poised to play a crucial role in future cybersecurity. While quantum computers could potentially break current encryption methods, they also offer solutions for next-generation cryptography. Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and optical-based quantum key distribution (QKD) are among the promising advancements. Additionally, quantum random number generators are being integrated into hardware security modules for automotive applications. Automotive OEMs are already strategising to ensure future vehicle designs are resilient to data security threats, particularly focusing on the impact of AI. The rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape necessitates that the industry proactively engages with quantum communications to mitigate future threats.
Outlook
Dr Skyrme concluded that the overarching message from the quantum technology market is clear: engagement and exploration of quantum opportunities must begin now. Continuous, targeted development across quantum computing, sensing, and communications is essential to meet the needs of future mobility. Ultimately, the decision to incorporate quantum technology into the automotive value chain lies with OEMs, who will shape the future by their choices and investments.
The convergence of automotive engineering and digital technology marks a new era of mobility. By leveraging quantum technologies, the automotive industry can navigate the complexities of this transition, seize emerging opportunities, and pave the way for a sustainable, efficient, and interconnected future.
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