At the technology conference Web Summit 2017 in Lisbon, Portugal, the Volkswagen Group and Google have announced comprehensive research cooperation in the field of quantum computing. They will explore the utilisation of quantum computers, with aims to build up specialist knowledge and to carry out practically-oriented research. Quantum computers can solve certain highly complex tasks considerably faster than conventional super computers. In some cases, a solution will only be possible with quantum computers.

Volkswagen Group IT wants to make progress in three development areas on a Google quantum computer. Specialists from both companies intend to continue the development of traffic optimisation, to explore structures for new materials - especially high-performance batteries for electric vehicles - and to work on artificial intelligence with new machine learning processes. This collaboration will focus on research for practically applications.

The Volkswagen Group is the first automotive company in the world to work intensively on quantum computing technology. In March 2017, Volkswagen announced its first successful research project completed on a quantum computer - a traffic flow optimisation for 10,000 taxis in Beijing, China.