D-Wave completes hybrid-quantum application joint proof-of-concept project

D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) announced the completion of a joint proof-of-concept project that used a hybrid-quantum application to optimize manufacturing workflows in a BASF liquid-filling facility. The hybrid-quantum technology set a new benchmark for manufacturing efficiency, allowing reduction of production scheduling time from 10 hours to just seconds. The BASF liquid-filling facility processes, fills and seals a significant number of bottles of liquid a month across several different products. The company said, “The facility operations are highly complex and must be carefully timed and coordinated, from the arrival of tanks with liquid materials until the final products ship. Even the smallest delay could disrupt filling schedules, increase costs, and disrupt timely product deliveries. These challenges often exceed the capabilities of classical-only optimization technology to support rapid decision making in case of operational breakdowns and efficient operations, at scale. BASF collaborated with D-Wave to build and test a hybrid-quantum application designed to improve efficiency in a production facility. The application was designed to minimize the total setup time required to switch between products, reduce the time to fully offload each tank, and minimize the overall tardiness of products relative to their scheduled due dates. The application was tested in a real-world production scenario to optimize task scheduling and liquid tank assignments while meeting business and quality requirements. The hybrid-quantum application outperformed an existing optimization solution across key operational metrics, reducing lateness by 14%, reducing setup times by 9%, and shortening tank unloading durations by up to 18%.”