Application of quantum optimization techniques (QUBO method) to cargo logistics on ships and airplanes
Fernando Hernández, Kenny Díaz, Marcelo Forets, Rafael Sotelo · 2020 IEEE Congreso Bienal de Argentina (ARGENCON) · 2020
The video (https://youtu.be/qB07ueMVw0w) presents our ongoing work on the optimization of cargo logistics processes with containers using quantum computing, mainly in airplanes and barges, of great international relevance. Combinatorial optimization problems are computationally complex in conventional computing. The origins of Quantum Computing date back to the early 90's. This discipline allows solving problems that in conventional computing are complex [1]. We present a Quantum Computing tool, the QUBO method (Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization) [2], which is suitable for formulating combinatorial optimization problems. QUBO is a recently developed tool, based on Quantum Annealing and is implemented in some current quantum computers. It consists of minimizing outputs of the type xTQx with x being a binary decision vector and Q a square or triangular matrix with constant parameters provided by the model. Restrictions can be added to the treated system. These problems have to do with making good decisions in environments where a large number of binary decisions (Yes/No) must be made and each set of decisions produces a corresponding objective function value, such as a cost or benefit value. In the video we also present the example of the Number Partitioning Problem.