Quantum Technologies in Manufacturing Systems: Perspectives for Application and Sustainable Development

In the medium- and long-term future, quantum technologies will become a megatrend shaping global industrial value creation. Quantum technologies will open novel pathways for manufacturing systems innovations, while also providing new opportunities for Sustainable Development. Manufacturing companies must already strive for a better understanding of quantum technologies and their potential applications if they are to maintain and improve their competitive advantage in the future. An overview of the theoretical background and state-of-the-art for quantum technologies and manufacturing systems is presented. Fields of application for quantum technologies are explored in the context of relevant manufacturing systems domains. Potential applications are proposed based on an analysis and synthesis of relevant literature, industrial case studies, as well as the authors' ideations. A case is laid out for how quantum technologies can potentially facilitate industrial symbiosis within limited global ecological boundaries. In other words, the case study describes how Sustainable Development can be potentially facilitated using quantum computing and quantum AI.