QI-TraSiCo – quantum computing for network-wide traffic light control in real time

The volume of traffic on our roads is constantly increasing, resulting in growing traffic jams, waiting times and environmental pollution. An expansion of the road infrastructure is often not expedient, thus optimising traffic control is the main option. The efficiency of traffic light control has a great influence on traffic quality. In large cities with a high number of traffic lights optimisation is a challenge, especially in real time. Present traffic control centres have reached their limits here.

This is where the QI-TraSiCo project comes in. The aim of the project is to use innovative, quantum-inspired computing technology to optimise traffic light control in real time. In a prototypic implementation, several traffic lights of a real test field will be connected with a quantum-inspired backend and optimally controlled.

Challenge

The current challenge is the live optimisation of large road networks with a high number of traffic lights. Network-wide optimisation approaches are known, but due to the limited processing power of conventional traffic control centres, they are usually not computable with sufficient quality in real time. The future availability of powerful quantum computers offers completely new possibilities here. For each traffic light in a road network a large number of different control interventions can be calculated and tested in real time. Then the optimum can be determined and applied live, with a positive effect for all road users.

Objective

The application of quantum computing in the field of traffic optimisation and control has hardly been tested in practice so far. Additionally, today's transport infrastructure is not yet compatible with innovative quantum computing hardware and software solutions and some of the traffic technology used in the field has very long life cycles. Thus interfaces to new applications such as quantum computing do not exist and need to be developed first. Reliable 24/7 operation has to be ensured as well to prevent failures in live traffic control on the road. In addition, a control algorithm must be found that fully utilises the potential of quantum computing while also complying with legal requirements. DLR is addressing these requirements in the QI-TraSiCo project and will implement a prototypic system that can be applied in practice.

The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) as part of the DLR Quantum Computing Initiative.

Project title:
QI-TraSiCo (Quantum-Inspired Traffic Signal Control)

Duration:
09/2023 to 02/2026

Client:
DLR Quantum Computing Initiative (QCI)