Quantum Technologies in Transportation

HASS COE partnered with the Advanced Research Projects Agency - Infrastructure (ARPA-I) to launch a USDOT quantum webinar and workshop series to explore the opportunities of quantum-based technologies in the transportation sector. Quantum information science is paving the way for developments in quantum computers, quantum-enhanced sensors, and communication systems. Join us to collaborate and explore the groundbreaking potential of new quantum-based technologies for the transportation industry.

Workshop

The Quantum Technologies in Transportation Workshop, hosted at USDOT headquarters on July 10, 2024, featured a panel of experts from both the quantum and transportation domains to accelerate the identification and development of new quantum opportunities. Presented by HASS COE and ARPA-I, the workshop introduced quantum sensing, quantum computing, the value that quantum sensors and computing can bring to the transportation sector, and use cases.

The USDOT quantum workshops aim to foster the exchange of knowledge and develop a roadmap for future research and collaborations. The group is building opportunities for future pilot programs and interconnecting with existing quantum-related projects within the Department. The group’s work will also supplement USDOT AI-related initiatives. Given the field of quantum technologies is not broadly understood, many agencies have taken the initiative to host workshops to better understand the fundamental science and technologies and map out applications of quantum to their domain. The workshops engage with members of industry and academia to ensure an extensive range of perspectives in the development of a new plan for quantum-based opportunities in transportation.

Workshop recording:

Workshop Report

The Quantum Technologies in Transportation report summarizes the findings of the USDOT quantum workshop in July 2024. The report identifies potential next steps that USDOT can take to integrate quantum technology into transportation research, planning, economic development, regulation and standards, enforcement and inspections, and outreach.

Webinar

Do you see news about breakthroughs in quantum computers and qubits and wonder what the hype is about?

The  Quantum Technologies 101 Webinar, presented on May 28, 2024, provided a highly informative and engaging overview of emerging quantum technologies and how they can revolutionize the transportation industry.

Hosted by HASS COE and ARPA-I, the webinar helped answer:

• Quantum 101: What is quantum computing and quantum sensing?
• What is the transformative potential of quantum computing to solve optimization, material simulation, and machine learning problems that were previously considered unsolvable?
• How may quantum sensors change our assumptions about achievable accuracy and precision in time, motion, electromagnetic fields, and chemical detection, among others?

The webinar aimed to introduce the full scope of quantum technologies and start a conversation about how these technologies can address challenges within the transportation domain. We heard from leading quantum experts Dr. William Oliver and Dr. Paola Cappellaro from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and engaged in discussions that will ultimately inform a new roadmap for future research and collaborations.

Webinar recording:

If you have any questions or need additional information about the USDOT quantum webinars, workshops, or report, please contact Daniel LeMaster, Ph.D., HASS COE (daniel.lemaster@dot.gov); Prachi Vakharia, ARPA-I (prachi.vakharia.ctr@dot.gov); or Denise Bakar, HASS COE (denise.bakar@dot.gov).

Contact Us

Denise Bakar
Communications Manager
denise.bakar@dot.gov

General Inquiries
hass-coe@dot.gov