Sharp Corporation and Tohoku University have succeeded in developing an engine that makes use of quantum annealing*1, a type of quantum technology. Specifically, the said engine can simultaneously control up to 1,000 automated transport robots.

Since last year, Sharp and Tohoku have been working together on joint research. Particularly, to create a technology that will simultaneously control a large number of automated transport robots. The goal is to resolve the increasingly serious labor shortage in the logistics industry. *3 

Improving Productivity

For that reason, research teams from both Sharp and Tohoku University have utilized simulated quantum annealing (SQA *4 ) technology. Accordingly, this simulates the calculation method of quantum annealing on a general-purpose computer. They have succeeded in developing a calculation engine that can generate optimal routes for a thousand automated transport robots. Previously, this has been difficult to achieve due to the enormous calculation required.

The two companies will also begin researching applications for large-scale logistics warehouses that combine this engine with AI. Moreover, they will work to develop solutions that improve the productivity of the entire inbound and outbound flow by using AI. Most importantly, this will optimize everything from product demand forecasts to inbound and outbound management and product and worker allocation.

They will conduct performance evaluations and demonstration experiments in fiscal 2026, aiming for practical application in fiscal 2027.

Recently, Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) has carried out a program. The Cyber-Physical Development Project for Quantum-Classical Hybrid Technology, which will further improve the performance of the engine subject of the Sharp-Tohoku University research.

Furthermore, a solution utilizing this engine will take center stage at the “Next-Generation SQA Robot Storage System” of the “SHARP Tech-Day’24 Innovation Showcase” technology event. The said event will take place at the Tokyo International Forum (3-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) from Tuesday, September 17 to 18, 2024. More information about “SHARP Tech-Day’24” is available at this special website.

Notes:

*1 Quantum computing is a computational technology that can process combinatorial optimization problems, which involve selecting the optimal solution from a vast number of options, at ultra-high speeds compared to general-purpose computers.

*2 This technology utilizes the behavior of quanta, the smallest units of matter. Specifically, to instantly perform calculations that would take an enormous amount of time with a general-purpose computer.

*3 For details, please refer to the news release issued on December 19, 2023. ( https://corporate.jp.sharp/news/231219-a.html )

*4 Abbreviation for Simulated Quantum Annealing.

*5 Project period: FY2023 to FY2027.

03 September 2024