Quanmatic Co., Ltd.
ROHM completes demonstration of manufacturing process optimization using quantum technology with Quanmatic
World’s first (*) result in a large-scale semiconductor manufacturing factory, aiming for full-scale introduction of EDS process (*1) in April 2024
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Since January 2023, ROHM Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kyoto City, hereinafter ROHM) has been collaborating with Quanmatic Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, hereinafter Quanmatic) to develop EDS, which is part of the semiconductor manufacturing process. We have been testing quantum technology in our processes and conducting demonstrations aimed at optimizing combinations in manufacturing processes. We would like to inform you that we have achieved certain results in improving production efficiency and are aiming for full-scale introduction in April 2024. This is the world’s first achievement in demonstrating the optimization of the manufacturing process using quantum technology on a large-scale mass production line in a semiconductor manufacturing factory.
*According to ROHM research as of December 5, 2023
In recent years, the use of quantum technology has been attempted in various fields, and in particular, quantum annealing methods (*2) are being introduced in the field of combinatorial optimization, such as delivery route optimization in the logistics industry. On the other hand, in the semiconductor industry, as the manufacturing process becomes larger, the number of combinations increases exponentially, and there are many constraints, making it difficult to obtain an optimal solution. However, it was only introduced in the process. In the EDS process as well, the number of combinations of
manufacturing devices, test equipment, test conditions, etc. is enormous, making it extremely difficult to derive a solution to optimize the manufacturing process, even if it is only a part of the process. Therefore, in the past, it was common to perform operations (process allocation) based on basic calculation rules and by utilizing accumulated knowledge and know-how.
Against this backdrop, ROHM and Quanmatic began studying an operation system using quantum solutions in January 2023, taking into account various constraints in the EDS process. ROHM has accumulated a wealth of products from Quanmatic that improve the efficiency of quantum computing technology based on research at Waseda University and Keio University, computational frameworks that make full use of quantum and classical computing technologies, and specialized formulation technology. By combining the vast knowledge, know-how, and various data that we have accumulated over the years, we succeeded in constructing a prototype in September 2023.
As a result of testing and testing this prototype at ROHM’s domestic and overseas factories, we were able to demonstrate that target indicators such as utilization rate and delivery delay rate could each be improved by several percentage points. Algorithmization also significantly reduces calculation time, making it possible to perform timely and optimal operations in response to changes in manufacturing conditions.
Going forward, the two companies will further deepen their
collaboration and aim to improve the accuracy of the operation system through repeated trial operations at overseas factories, with the aim of full-scale introduction in April 2024.
Professor, Waseda University Faculty of Science and
Engineering/Quanmatic Co., Ltd. CSO & Co-Founder Nozomi Togawa “This result is an example of a highly mathematical optimization calculation method researched at a university being applied to the world, and providing semiconductor products through a supply chain that is optimized daily based on quantum-related technology is This has great significance in terms of the large-scale practical application of technology. Accumulating such results will lead to the Japanese government’s “Quantum Society Future Vision” (10 million people using quantum technology in 2030). I believe that it will become the foundation for realizing society.”
Tetsuo Tateishi, Director, Senior Executive Officer, CTO, ROHM Co., Ltd. “Towards the realization of a decarbonized society, the role of semiconductors will continue to grow, and their stable supply has become one of the social issues. The development of a new operation system is a major step for the semiconductor manufacturing industry, making it possible to optimize production operations in real time.We are accelerating the introduction of quantum technology and related methods into a wide range of processes beyond the current situation. We aim to strengthen our stable supply system by building a more comprehensively optimized supply chain.”
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