[Sharp] Succeeded in developing a multi-simultaneous control engine for automatic transport robots using quantum annealing (*1)
*sharp*
Press release: September 2, 2024
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Succeeded in developing a multi-simultaneous control engine for automated transport robots using quantum annealing (*1)
*Established calculation technology in collaboration with Tohoku University to determine the optimal route from a huge combination of options. Also working on research into optimization applications for entire logistics warehouses using AI*
Sharp is collaborating with Tohoku University, a national university corporation (located in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, President: Teiji Tominaga), to apply quantum annealing, a type of quantum computing technology (*2), to develop automated transport robots on a scale of 1,000 units. We have successfully developed an engine that can control both simultaneously.
Since last year, the two companies have been working on joint research on technology for simultaneously controlling a large number of automatic transport robots, with the theme of solving the worsening labor shortage in the logistics industry (*3). Recently, by utilizing simulated quantum annealing (SQA(*4)) technology that simulates quantum annealing calculation methods on general-purpose computers, we have developed a technology that can be used on a scale of 1,000 machines, which was previously difficult to achieve due to the enormous amount of calculations. We have successfully developed a calculation engine that generates the optimal route for an automated transport robot.
The two companies have also begun research into an application for large-scale distribution warehouses that combines this engine with AI. By using AI to optimize everything from product demand forecasting to warehouse management and product and worker allocation, we will work to develop solutions that improve the productivity of the entire warehouse flow. We will conduct performance evaluations and
demonstration experiments during fiscal 2026, and aim to put it into practical use within fiscal 2027.
Research on further improving the performance of this engine and developing applications will be conducted by the National Research and Development Corporation.
It was selected for the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO)’s “Quantum-Classical Hybrid Technology Cyber-Physical Development Project (*5)”.
SHARP Tech-Day’24 is a technology exhibition event to be held at the Tokyo International Forum (3-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) from September 17th (Tuesday) to September 18th (Wednesday) of this year. “Innovation
At the “Next Generation SQA Robot Storage System,” we will exhibit a reference solution that utilizes this engine. “SHARP
For information on “Tech-Day’24” and to register for participation, please refer to the special website below.
*1
Using quantum computing technology, it is a calculation technology that can process “combinatorial optimization problems” that select the optimal solution from a huge number of options at ultra-high speed compared to general-purpose computers.
*2 It is a technology that uses quantum behavior, the smallest unit of matter, to instantly process calculations that would take an enormous amount of time on a general-purpose computer.
*3 For details, please refer to the news release announced on December 19, 2023. (
https://corporate.jp.sharp/news/231219-a.html
*4 Abbreviation for Simulated Quantum Annealing.
*5 Project period: FY2023-FY2027.
https://corporate.jp.sharp/techday/
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