As the first carmaker worldwide, the Volkswagen group is testing the use of quantum computers. A research project for traffic flow optimization in cooperation with D-Wave Systems was presented at the 2017 CeBIT exhibition.
The first study object is Beijing. Using ultra-fast quantum computing, it was possible to successfully program an algorithm that optimizes the travel time of all public taxis in the city, practically eliminating traffic jams in the process.
Volkswagen also uses partnerships with international start-ups. The ideation hub of the group’s IT department brings Volkswagen and start-ups together. In a start-up pitch delivered during CeBIT, Geospin from Freiburg and CarlundCarla.de from Dresden were able to convince the jury surrounding CIO Martin Hofmann of their ideas.
The Volkswagen brand is launching a new start-up incubator for mobility services at the transparent factory in Dresden. Companies will start moving in in May of this year.
The CeBIT 2017 shows: Volkswagen’s work effort on the digital future is fully underway. New solutions are needed in areas like big data, machine learning, smart factory, the internet of things, connectivity, mobility services and virtual reality.