QUDO

Companies often rely on complex models to simulate the performance of product design variations. The more realistic the models are, the longer they take to run – sometimes requiring hours, or even days. Design optimization is therefore time-consuming and costly. Many companies limit or even avoid optimization because of this. QUDO reduces the number of needed simulations and accelerates optimization.

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Addressing complexity

The more complex a design is, the more challenging optimization becomes. Each component, material, and design option can have countless parameters to adjust on the way to the best possible design. Many companies have neither the time nor the resources to explore the potentially thousands of options that may lead to higher performance, optimal energy use, durability, cost-efficiency, or other optimization targets. With each adjustment, yet another simulation must be run, and results analysed and adjusted. While designers are experts at creating realistic and complex models, they often don’t have the expertise to select the right parameters to adjust.

QUantum (ready) Design Optimization (QUDO) is comprised of optimization algorithms and tooling that reduces the number of simulations needed to achieve optimization. QUDO uses surrogate-based algorithms, combined with Machine Learning (ML) and quantum annealing hardware, to iteratively uncover potential design improvements. Data collected during the process further feeds the ML model, so that each iteration is closer to the desired optimum. ,

The quality of the suggested design then needs to be validated by performing a model simulation. QUDO reduces the optimization time by reducing the required number of iterations, i.e., the number of simulations that are needed to find an optimal solution. Early proofs of concept have shown that QUDO can reduce the number of simulations to less than 1% of all of the potential designs for a complex item.

Proof of concept

QUDO is already being applied in a wide variety of use cases. From the optimization of coatings for solar panels and submarines, to lead-free sonar design, to chip quality control, to systems that more accurately predict insurance prices. QUDO has already proven to accelerate optimization by enabling a more rapid and comprehensive exploration of the thousands – or even hundreds of thousands – of potential parameter adjustments.

Essentially a tool that ‘outsources’ optimization to a more powerful and robust system, QUDO enables companies to save time and costs, and more rapidly gain market position by developing superior products in less time.  What’s more, it enables companies to focus on their area of expertise: building realistic simulation models for their product. As a trusted, independent, and experienced partner, TNO can protect a company’s proprietary information and data, while enabling the company to more rapidly explore all of the potential ways to improve their products and services. In addition to the examples listed above, the QUDO team sees enormous potential for the technology within the defence and high-tech industries, where rapid development and optimization is essential.

Quantum acceleration

QUDO is applicable to any existing simulation software and any complex design parameters. Although the algorithms can benefit from quantum hardware, it can already be applied now, using traditional hardware. In the future, when quantum hardware improves, QUDO’s capabilities can be further enhanced and expanded.

QUDO aims to accelerate design optimization and provide its partners with a competitive edge.

Could QUDO technology benefit your market position? Contact us for investment and/or development opportunities.