SMU Smart City Society
Problem Statement
How might we better enhance the current supply chain and mobility issues in smart cities utilising quantum-centric supercomputing?
QUANTUM-CENTRIC COMPUTING
What is Quantum Computing?
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Quantum Computing is an advanced computational paradigm that utilises the principles of quantum mechanics to perform complex calculations which then outweigh the capabilities of classical computing
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Unlike traditional bits used in classical computers (which are either 0 or 1), quantum computers use quantum bits or qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously due to a phenomenon known as superposition. This property allows quantum computers to process and analyze vast amounts of data and perform calculations at a much faster rate
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Exponential Speedup – QC helps to solve specific problems faster than classical computers. This acceleration can mainly be seen in certain computationally heavy applications such as scientific simulations or molecular interactions
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Optimized Problem Solving – QC can address complex optimization problems prevalent in supply chain management and mobility by evaluating numerous possibilities simultaneously
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Data Analysis – QC can enhance data analysis, leading to more accurate predictive models and informed decision-making
Benefits of Quantum Computing
Challenges of Quantum Computing
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Qubit Stability – Qubits are extremely delicate and susceptible to environmental noise, making them prone to errors during computation
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Decoherence – Qubits can quickly lose their quantum state due to interactions with their surroundings. This may limit the time over which quantum computations can be performed accurately
QUANTUM COMPUTING CONCEPTS
Superposition
Superposition is a quantum phenomenon that allows qubits to exist in a linear combination of their 0 and 1 states. This property is harnessed for performing computations on multiple states in parallel.
Entanglement
Entanglement is a quantum phenomenon where qubits become intertwined in a way that the state of one qubit instantly influences the state of another, even when they are separated by large distances
Quantum Gates
Quantum gates are analogous to classical logic gates but operate on qubits in a quantum system. These gates manipulate the quantum states of qubits
What is High Performance Super- Computing?
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Supercomputing refers to the use of high-performance computers (supercomputers) that are capable of solving complex computational problems at a level of speed and scale that far exceeds that of conventional computers. These systems are designed to handle extremely large datasets, perform intricate simulations, and execute calculations at remarkable speeds.
Characteristics
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High processing power – Supercomputers are built using advanced processors and interconnected hardware that allow them to perform an enormous number of calculations per second. This processing power enables them to handle complex scientific, engineering, and research tasks that require intensive computation
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Parallel processing – Supercomputers excel at parallel processing, which involves breaking down a problem into smaller tasks that can be solved simultaneously. This approach allows multiple processors or cores within the supercomputer to work on different parts of a problem concurrently, drastically reducing the time required for computation
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Large memory capacity – Supercomputers typically have a substantial amount of memory (RAM) that can accommodate the vast amounts of data generated and used in scientific simulations, data analysis, and other computations
SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES IN SMART CITIES
Introduction to supply chain practices
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Supply chain is a critical practice that allows for the flow of goods and services from producers to consumers
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Stakeholders involved: Retailers & Business, Manufacturers, Consumers, Transportation Companies
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Inventory Management – Retailers may not be able to efficiently manage inventory stock due to various contrasts in demand and supply which may lead to overstocking or even lack of stocks instead
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Demand Forecasting – Due to the tendency of very dynamic nature of goods and services in an urban smart city, it may be difficult to accurately predict consumer demand
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Logistics & Distribution – Delivery efficiency may be limited due to the structure of smart cities and transportation optimization may need to be conducted
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Last-mile Delivery – Urban cities are very people populated with high human density which may result in challenges in deliveries being prompt
Potential Supply Chain Challenges
Smart City Technologies & Potential Solutions
Technologies
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Data-driven nature of Smart Cities – smart cities produce vast amounts of data and data analytics can lead to more informed decision making
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IoT, AI & ML can also be leveraged on to tackle these supply chain challenges
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Improved resource allocation, reduced operational efficiencies and costs by streamlining current processes by automation
Solutions
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Predictive Analytics – Leverage on vast amount of historical data to predict future demand trends and fluctuations based on urban events
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IoT enabled tracking – leverage on IoT technologies to monitor inventory levels or transport conditions through sensors such that real-time insights can be collected
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Dynamic routing – use algorithms to find to most optimum route based on various criteria such as order of priority of goods to be delivered and road conditions and shorter routes
MOBILITY ISSUES IN SMART CITIES
Introduction to mobility
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Urban Mobility encompasses movement within urban spaces that give people access to housing, jobs, leisure and other urban services.
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Stakeholders: Governments, Local Regulators, Consumers [General Population], Public Transport Operators, Shared/Micro Mobility Providers, Last-Mile Delivery.
Challenges
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Congestion: Increased demand for urban transport stresses current transport infrastructure. This requires a city wide view of traffic patterns to enable inefficiencies in the system to be found and tackled.
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Efficiency: Individuals and businesses want the faster routes to their destinations, and technologies to help them find the ideal path for their trips, but an individual's efficiency might come at a cost of society’s efficiency.
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Safety: Increased traffic also heightens accident risks, threatening pedestrian safety.
Solutions
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Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) utilise IoT devices to collect and analyse traffic data enabling stakeholders to effectively manage and control traffic.