At the Port of Los Angeles, quantum computing is being tested to untangle the maze of cranes, trucks and shipping containers. The claimed gains in efficiency meet a more skeptical view from truckers and researchers, raising questions about whether today’s quantum machines are making a real difference.
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Trucker Time
Truckers at the Port of Los Angeles shared how they spend their long wait times.
Activities include reading, listening to audiobooks, napping, watching videos, and exercising.
insights INSIGHT
Quantum to the Rescue
The Port of Los Angeles, while crucial for the U.S. economy, faces logistical challenges.
Quantum computing offers a potential solution to optimize operations and improve efficiency.
insights INSIGHT
Port's Global Role
The Port of Los Angeles, the busiest in the U.S., handles goods from all over the world.
Its traffic volume reflects global trade flow, primarily consumer goods but other various items.
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The Port of Los Angeles is one of the world’s busiest — andmost inefficient. It’s now using an early quantum computing application to help solve its logistical bottlenecks.
Has it made a difference? The FT’s John Thornhill investigates. We hear from truck drivers at the Port of Los Angeles; Matt Schrap, CEO of the Harbor Trucking Association; SavantX co-founder Ed Heinbockel, who helped bring quantum computing to the port; and Alan Baratz, president of D-Wave Systems. Plus, John and FT artificial intelligence editor Madhumita Murgia discuss what optimisation at the Port of Los Angeles tells us about the future of quantum technology.
Presented by Madhumita Murgia and John Thornhill, produced by Josh Gabert-Doyon and Edwin Lane. Executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Sound design by Breen Turner and Samantha Giovinco. Original music by Metaphor Music. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Special thanks to the National Quantum Computing Center for their help on this episode.
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