Tag Archives: quantum

BMW

BMW Group endows RWTH Aachen University with a brand new chair in quantum computing.

Munich. The BMW Group is endowing RWTH Aachen University with a brand new professorship in “Quantum Information Systems” within the Department of Computer Science. Last Wednesday noticed the official inauguration of Prof Dr Dominique Unruh, who will head the chair. In addition, the funding of an endowed chair on the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has already been authorised for 2021. The Chair of Quantum Algorithms and Applications might be headed by Prof. Dr Barbara Kraus.

Alexander Buresch, Senior Vice President BMW Group IT, explains the BMW Group’s dedication: “Our goal is to create an open software ecosystem that optimally integrates quantum software and hardware and thus accelerates the industrialisation of automotive applications. This is precisely where endowed professors at universities such as the Technical University of Munich and RWTH Aachen make an important contribution to jointly creating pioneering innovations.” While the TUM chair lays the algorithmic foundations for industry-relevant functions, the RWTH chair creates concrete software program options and the required software program experience.

Over the previous seven years, the BMW Group’s dedication to analysis into quantum computing has led to an more and more far-reaching understanding of the expertise. At the identical time, the corporate is reaching the boundaries of typical {hardware} resulting from ever bigger and extra advanced optimisation issues, simulations and functions of synthetic intelligence. The BMW Group is a longtime a part of the quantum computing ecosystem and an innovation chief within the automotive sector. With a focused collaboration technique, the BMW Group is utilising synergies and driving ahead the sphere of quantum computing analysis whereas already exploiting some great benefits of this expertise in its worth chain.

“For years, we have been involved in many consortium projects in the fields of battery production, artificial intelligence and system engineering, in bilateral contract research and in the joint organisation of education and research, and now we are also increasingly active in the promising field of quantum computing technology. As a mentor for this exciting and important future topic for the BMW Group, I am looking forward to working with Prof Dr Unruh and Prof Dr Kraus and to the results of our joint research,” says Stefan Floeck, Senior Vice President Product Line MINI and Compact Class BMW.

Powerful optimisation algorithms, simulations and synthetic intelligence within the areas of planning, manufacturing and logistics – this requires increasingly more computing energy as a result of rising complexity and drawback sizes. Quantum computing was recognized again in 2017 as a possible reply to the tip of Moore’s Law, which implies that the computing energy obtainable worldwide will not proceed to extend exponentially as earlier than. The BMW Group due to this fact established a devoted quantum computing workforce that’s already contributing to the corporate’s worth creation by reformulating real-world issues from growth, manufacturing, distribution and lots of different areas and fixing them with quantum (impressed) algorithms. In collaboration with Amazon Web Services, for instance, the actions of robotic arms throughout the sealing of the underbody have been optimised and it was found that quantum computing-inspired algorithms have the potential to cut back the cycle time on the Munich plant by as much as 10%.

Other promising use circumstances embody the simulation of battery and gas cells, numerical simulations of auto aerodynamics and acoustics, environment friendly coaching of machine studying fashions and lots of different areas. Today, the processing of such computationally intensive processes typically represents the bottleneck within the growth of latest functions and merchandise.

The BMW Group is a co-founder of the QUTAC consortium, during which eleven of the biggest German firms are working collectively to advance quantum computing from an industrial perspective and conduct application-related analysis. The BMW Group can also be a member of a complete of 4 funded initiatives that deliver collectively wonderful educational companions with industrial enterprises and start-ups with totally different focuses with the intention to examine the potential of quantum computing utilizing actual {industry} use circumstances.

In the occasion of enquiries please contact:

BMW Group Public Communications


Janina Latza, Spokesperson BMW Group IT: Emerging Technologies, Innovations & Cyber Security
Telefon: +49-151-601-12650
E-Mail: Janina.Latza@bmw.de

Christophe Koenig, Head of Digital and Driving Experience Communications
Spokesperson Digital Car, Automated Driving & Driving Assistance Systems
Telefon: +49-89-382-56097
E-Mail: Christophe.Koenig@bmwgroup.com

Internet: www.press.bmwgroup.com/deutschland

E-Mail: presse@bmw.de

BMW

Airbus and BMW Group launch Quantum Computing Competition to deal with their most urgent mobility challenges.

Santa Clara (CA), 6 December 2023 – Airbus and BMW Group launch a world Quantum Computing Challenge entitled “The Quantum Mobility Quest” to deal with essentially the most urgent challenges in aviation and automotive which have remained insurmountable for classical computer systems.

This problem is the first-of-its-kind, bringing collectively two international business leaders to harness quantum applied sciences for real-world industrial purposes, unlocking the potential to forge extra environment friendly, sustainable and safer options for the way forward for transportation.

“This is the perfect time to shine a spotlight on quantum technology and its potential impact on our society. Partnering with an industry leader like BMW Group enables us to mature the technology as we need to bridge the gap between scientific exploration and its potential applications. We’re seeking the best-in-class students, PhDs, academics, researchers, start-ups, companies, or professionals in the field, worldwide to join our challenge to create a massive paradigm shift in the way aircraft are built and flown.” says Isabell Gradert, Vice President Central Research and Technology at Airbus.

“Following the success of previous editions of Quantum Computing Challenges by BMW Group and Airbus, we are gearing up for a new wave of innovation, exploring the technology capabilities for sustainability and operational excellence.” stated Dr. Peter Lehnert, Vice-President, Research Technologies at BMW Group. “The BMW Group is clearly aiming at positioning itself at the crossroads of quantum technology, the global ecosystem, and cutting-edge solutions. By doing so, we strongly believe in major advances when it comes to sustainable materials for batteries and fuel cells, to generate unique and efficient designs, or to enhance the overall user experience in the BMW Group Products”.

Quantum computing has the potential to considerably improve computational energy and to allow essentially the most complicated operations that problem even at the moment’s finest computer systems. In explicit, for data-driven industries just like the transportation sector, this rising expertise might play a vital function in simulating varied industrial and operational processes, opening up alternatives to form future mobility services and products.

Challenge candidates are invited to pick a number of drawback statements: improved aerodynamics design with quantum solvers, future automated mobility with quantum machine studying, extra sustainable provide chain with quantum optimisation, and enhanced corrosion inhibition with quantum simulation. Additionally, candidates can put ahead their very own quantum applied sciences with the potential to develop native apps but to be explored within the transportation sector.

The problem is hosted by The Quantum Insider (TQI) and divided into two elements, a four-month section the place members will develop a theoretical framework for one of many given statements, and a second section throughout which chosen finalists will implement and benchmark their options. Amazon Web Services (AWS) supplies candidates with a possibility to run their algorithms on their Amazon Braket quantum computing service.

A jury composed of world-leading quantum consultants will workforce up with consultants from Airbus, BMW Group, and AWS to judge submitted proposals and award one winning-team with a €30,000 prize in every of the 5 challenges, by the top of 2024.

Registration opens at the moment, and submissions can be accepted from mid-January by way of April 30, 2024 right here: www.thequantuminsider.com/quantum-challenge.

If you’ve got any questions, please contact:

Press and Public Relations
Janina Latza
Spokesperson BMW Group IT
Tel.: +49 (0)151 – 601 12650
E-Mail: Janina.Latza@bmw.de

Christophe Koenig
Leiter BMW Group IT, Digital and Driving Experience Communications,
BMW Group Design, Innovations and Digital Car Communications
Telefon: +49-89-382-56097
E-Mail: Christophe.Koenig@bmwgroup.com

BMW

BMW Group, Airbus, and Quantinuum Collaborate on Sustainable Mobility Research Using Quantum Computers

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Airbus, BMW Group, and Quantinuum have joined forces to expedite research on sustainable mobility using quantum computers. The three companies have developed a hybrid quantum-classical workflow that harnesses the power of Quantum Computing to simulate quantum systems, specifically focusing on studying the chemical reactions of catalysts in fuel cells.

The partners have recently published a technical paper titled “Applicability of Quantum Computing to Oxygen Reduction Reaction Simulations,” in which they successfully model the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on the surface of a platinum-based catalyst. The ORR is a key part of the fuel cell process, converting hydrogen and oxygen into water and electricity. However, this reaction is relatively slow and requires a large amount of platinum catalyst, making it crucial to understand the underlying mechanisms to improve its efficiency.

By utilizing Quantinuum’s H-Series Quantum Computer, the collaborative team has demonstrated the practical application of quantum computing in an industrial workflow, advancing our understanding of this critical chemical reaction. The three companies plan to continue their collaboration by exploring the use of Quantum Computing to tackle other significant industrial challenges.

Dr. Peter Lehnert, Vice-President of Research Technologies at BMW Group, emphasized the importance of quantum computing in their pursuit of circularity and sustainable mobility. He highlighted how simulating material properties with quantum computers can accelerate innovation and ultimately lead to the creation of more efficient products.

BMW Group, a pioneer in the automotive market, recognizes the transformative potential of quantum computing, particularly in material research. Quantum computing enables faster and more efficient processes while reducing the need for costly lab prototypes. The successful simulation of one of the most fundamental electrochemical processes using quantum computing represents a significant step towards achieving sustainable energy transition, benefiting products such as metal-air batteries with improved efficiency.

Isabell Gradert, Vice-President of Central Research & Technology at Airbus, expressed enthusiasm for the study’s potential impact on their pursuit of sustainable alternatives. Airbus is actively exploring hydrogen-powered alternatives, such as their ZEROe aircraft, which could rely on fuel cell engines. The study’s findings affirm that quantum computing is reaching the necessary scale for aviation applications.

Airbus has identified hydrogen as a promising candidate for low-carbon aircraft propulsion, as it produces no CO2 emissions when generated from renewable energy. The company has previously announced plans to test a hydrogen-powered fuel cell propulsion system on its ZEROe demonstrator aircraft within the next few years. Airbus aims to develop the world’s first hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft for market entry by 2035.

Ilyas Khan, Chief Product Officer at Quantinuum, expressed excitement about supporting BMW Group and Airbus, acknowledging their leadership in their respective fields. He believes that quantum computing can play a crucial role in advancing sustainable mobility. This collaboration showcases the integration of quantum computing into the industrial workflows of two technologically advanced companies, specifically tackling material science problems that are ripe for progress using quantum computing.

The research team hopes that their improved understanding of the ORR reaction will lead to the identification of alternative materials that can enhance fuel cell performance and reduce production costs. Simulating chemical reactions like the ORR is an incredibly complex task for classical computers due to the quantum properties involved. Quantum computing shows great potential in providing a quantum advantage for such simulations in the future.

BMW

New MINI Family Advances into the Digital Era with Cutting-Edge Technology and MINI Operating System 9

The iconic British brand MINI is embracing the digital age with its new model family, featuring the MINI Interaction Unit at its core. The MINI Interaction Unit is a round OLED display that seamlessly integrates into the interior, offering a comfortable user experience for both the driver and front passenger.

Stefanie Wurst, Head of the MINI brand, states, “We are venturing into the digital world with the new MINI family, emphasizing the brand’s charismatic heritage. The round central display will be filled with round content for the first time, and I am confident that customers worldwide will be delighted with the digital power of the new models.”

Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development, adds, “The all-new MINI family showcases a unique technology package. It utilizes the latest tech stack from BMW to offer MINI-specific features like Experience Modes and the voice assistant. The result is a display of cutting-edge digital capabilities with utmost attention to detail.”

Key digital highlights of the new MINI family include:

  • The industry’s first circular OLED display, the MINI Interaction Unit, with a user-friendly MINI interface design.
  • MINI Operating System 9, an Android-based software stack developed in-house by BMW Group, offering intuitive touch control and a MINI-specific design.
  • Up to eight MINI Experience Modes that provide an immersive driving experience through the use of light, interface designs, drive settings, and sound.
  • All-electric MINI models feature unique sound design both in the interior and exterior, along with new driving sounds and sound signals with information and warning functions.
  • The MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant, activated by the voice command “Hey MINI,” allows users to control functions, make travel-related requests, and recognizes the driver or front passenger speaking.
  • Cloud-based MINI Navigation system with fast and precise route calculation, real-time map streaming, and charging-optimized route planning for electric MINIs.
  • The MINI Connected Store provides access to a wide range of practical and entertaining apps, including gaming, music, and video streaming.
  • Compatible with Apple, Google, and Samsung devices, the MINI Digital Key Plus enables flexible vehicle access without needing to take out the smartphone.
  • High-speed connectivity and optional 5G capability.
  • Regular free software updates over-the-air for MINI vehicles, including quality improvements and new features.

The new MINI Operating System 9 offers optimized touch and voice control. Its user interface design combines functional and emotional elements, with new graphics for a modern look. The start menu allows easy access to personalized content, and a tool belt offers favorite functions for quick access. The central screen displays driving-relevant information, while climate control settings are integrated into the MINI Interaction Unit for easy adjustment.

MINI Experience Modes enhance the connection between drivers and their MINIs, offering specific user interface designs and augmented lighting effects. Personal Mode allows customers to use their own smartphone pictures as backgrounds for the MINI Interaction Unit, while the optional Head-up display adapts to the selected Experience Mode.

All-electric MINI models feature innovative soundscapes that provide an acoustic identity both inside and outside the vehicle. The MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant is a full-capability voice assistant that can be controlled by voice commands and is visually represented with graphical elements and an avatar on the circular OLED display.

The cloud-based MINI Navigation system offers intuitive destination entry, fast route calculation based on real-time traffic data, and charging-optimized routes for electric MINIs. The system also includes the Augmented View function for accurate navigational guidance.

MINI Connected Store provides access to a variety of practical and entertainment apps, including in-car gaming with AirConsole, music streaming with Spotify, and more. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also supported.

The MINI Digital Key Plus allows ultra-wideband technology-enabled vehicle access through compatible smartphones, with a personalized welcome sequence and easy key sharing.

MINI vehicles receive regular free software upgrades over-the-air, ensuring quality enhancements and the addition of new features.

The new MINI family combines technology and innovation to deliver an enhanced digital experience while staying true to MINI’s iconic heritage.