Honda R&D Co., Ltd., a research and development subsidiary of Honda, and Quemix Inc., a group company of TerraSky Inc. that conducts research and development of quantum computer algorithms and software, have developed the world’s first “new technology to read out quantum states.”
Honda aims to achieve carbon neutrality through all corporate activities by 2050, and as part of that effort, we are conducting research into energy components.
Research into components requires material analysis, but calculations using conventional computers require enormous resources, so we are considering using quantum computers, which enable high-speed calculations. However, when reading out the quantum state with a quantum computer, a major issue is that the quantum state is destroyed, which increases the number of reads and takes a long time.
Also Read: EntropiQ Debuts its First QEaaS for Critical Infrastructure
Honda and Quemix have succeeded in developing a new quantum state readout technology that does not directly read out the quantum state itself, but instead “scans” only information (feature quantities) such as intensity and shape that characterize classical data from X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS *1 ) spectrum data stored as a quantum state in a quantum computer. This enables high-speed and efficient quantum state readout, and is expected to be applied to various simulation fields using quantum computers.
Honda and Quemix also succeeded in performing XAFS calculations using an actual quantum computer. This is the world’s first successful practical calculation for materials development on a logical qubit using an actual quantum computer.
By combining a quantum computer with a conventional computer and performing calculations that take advantage of the strengths of each computer, Honda was able to perform XAFS calculations on an actual quantum computer. In preparation for using an actual quantum computer, Honda developed an XAFS calculation algorithm and a method to reduce the number of logical qubits and gate operations. In addition to developing a quantum algorithm, Honda has accumulated technology to reduce the number of bits and gate operations for the future use of actual quantum computers. With the development of future hardware and an increase in the number of logical qubits, it is expected that this technology will be applicable to complex practical calculations.
Honda and Quemix plan to present the results and details of this new technology at the international quantum computing conference Q2B 2025 Tokyo.
Honda will use quantum computers and XAFS to advance research and development, and will work to build technologies related to research and exploration of materials that contribute to improving the performance and extending the life of battery components. In order to achieve carbon neutrality in 2050, Honda will take on the challenge with a multifaceted approach in addition to electrifying mobility.
SOURCE: Honda
