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I know for a fact that to some of you the word "quantum technology" will sound stereotyped and mainstream as "metaverse": one of those things that everyone talks about, but no one really knows what it is all about.
But many companies are already exploring the benefits of quantum technology, even ones you might not expect, and one of them is the automotive industry. Indeed, quantum technology may soon affect every aspect of our daily life, but it may take less time for cars than in other fields. In three ways:
1. Safer autonomous vehicles
We have been reading about self-driving cars for years now. We are on an eternal eve, we know that this could be the "next big thing", but I go a bit further: quantum technology could pave the way for even safer and more efficient autonomous vehicles. Unsurprisingly, some of the biggest auto makers are already making their moves in this chessboard.
Two examples above all: the challenge that BMW has launched with Amazon Web Services to find innovative solutions in quantum technology, and collaboration between Hyundai and IonQ for the improvement of its vehicles.
How can quantum technology do this?
One of the main challenges for self-driving vehicles is to monitor their surroundings, detect any obstacles or objects and respond to unexpected events faster than a human could. The great processing power of quantum computers could be used to improve machine learning algorithms and help vehicles better recognize other objects on the road, or (at an intermediate stage) alert drivers of potential dangers.
2. Hacker-proof car
You read that right. With the recent rise of internet-connected sensors and entertainment systems in automobiles, it has become apparent that automotive cybersecurity is more important than ever. Cybercriminals have already started targeting cars.
Earlier this year, Honda admitted it was possible for hackers remotely unlock your car doors and even start the engines. Tesla also suffered a hacker attack: a teenager succeeded to open doors and windows of a vehicle and to sound the horn.
Can you imagine a cyber attack on a speeding car? It could kill not only passengers, but other motorists or unsuspecting pedestrians as well. That is why the near future will also include computer security solutions for automobiles, and this is where quantum technology comes into play. Companies like Arqit they are developing hacker-proof forms of protection, which will later also be useful for data protection.
3. Better batteries
Although electric vehicles have been touted as the automotive industry's tomorrow, there is one thing holding them back: car's battery performance inefficient that take too long to recharge. However, all of this may soon change thanks to quantum technology.
Quantum batteries are a type of battery that uses the properties of quantum physics to be more efficient - they are even capable of collect energy from light. Researchers fromInstitute for Basic Science in South Korea claimed that quantum batteries could be used to reduce charging times: a car equipped with a quantum battery could be fully charged in just 90 seconds.
Further developments are needed, but it is not a chimera: when these solutions arrive on the market they will revolutionize our use of cars.
