Toronto, Ontario — Hyundai and quantum computing developer IonQ have announced that they are expanding their partnership to address the need for improved object detection technology in autonomous driving systems.
The two companies, who have a history developing electric vehicle batteries together, will deepen their partnership through a study of how AI and machine learning can be used to strengthen a vehicle’s ability to detect objects on the road.
Using IonQ’s Aria, the company’s latest generation quantum computer, Hyundai will be able to do things like encode images of road signs into quantum states, allowing different types of road signs to be classified and identified.
The Korean OEM said, in a statement, “The next phase will see the two companies apply IonQ’s machine learning data to Hyundai’s test environment and simulate various real-world scenarios.”
As well, both companies agreed that image classification and 3D object detection “are foundational steps toward the next generation of mobilities, including autonomous vehicles.”
“We are excited to expand our existing relationship with Hyundai Motor to focus on another key aspect of next-generation mobility,” said president and CEO of IonQ, Peter Chapman.
“From partnering on battery research for electric vehicles to image classification and object detection research for automated driving, we expect to see quantum computers become an even more integral part in developing novel transportation solutions.”
It was first announced in January that Hyundai and IonQ would be working together to carry out simulations that could be used to help create more efficient EV batteries.
