Quantum eyes on the road: making autonomous vehicles more reliable

Case: Autonomous vehicle sensor fusion with quantum sensing

Autonomous vehicles rely on accurate information about their surroundings. Quantum sensors can provide ultra-precise measurements of position, acceleration, and orientation. When combined with lidar, radar, and cameras, these sensors make autonomous driving more reliable, even in challenging environments.

Business value

Increased safety and reliability: Quantum sensors add precision to navigation, reducing the risk of errors that could lead to accidents.

Enhanced performance in difficult conditions: Vehicles can perform better in fog, tunnels, or areas with poor GPS signals.

Reduced reliance on external infrastructure: Cars can operate more independently without depending as much on satellites or external positioning systems.

Competitive advantage: Early adopters of quantum sensing will gain a stronger position in the race for safe and reliable autonomous mobility.

Technology readiness

Quantum sensors are currently in the prototype stage. Laboratory experiments have shown that they can achieve precision levels far beyond today’s sensors, but most devices are still too large or sensitive to be installed in vehicles. Field trials are starting to test ruggedized versions under real driving conditions, focusing on stability and reliability in challenging environments like tunnels or dense urban centers. Commercial use in vehicles is likely still a decade away, but progress is accelerating thanks to strong investment from both research institutes and automotive companies.

Leading players and experiments

Bosch is actively developing quantum sensors that could improve navigation precision in vehicles, with the goal of reducing reliance on GPS.

Toyota is exploring how quantum sensing technologies can strengthen autonomous systems, ensuring reliable navigation in complex urban settings.

Qnami, a Swiss startup, provides quantum sensing technologies based on nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamonds, which could be applied in autonomous navigation.

Fraunhofer Institute in Germany is conducting applied research on quantum-enhanced navigation, testing prototypes, and working on integration pathways for automotive applications.