Quantum Technologies in Logistics and Transport
Moving people and goods smarter, faster, and more sustainably
➔ Transforming the Movement of People and Goods
Australia’s transport and logistics networks are the arteries of our economy, moving billions of tonnes of freight and millions of passengers every year. But the sector is under pressure. Congestion, emissions, unpredictable disruptions, and the rising complexity of multimodal networks demand new approaches.
Quantum technologies are emerging as a game-changer for operational efficiency, network optimisation, safety, and sustainability. From real-time traffic management to GPS-free navigation and fleet-wide optimisation, quantum promises to help operators respond to challenges that classical systems struggle to solve.
Pressing Challenges Quantum Could Help Address
Where quantum delivers a competitive edge
Sustainable Transport Design
Quantum simulation could accelerate the design of electric and autonomous vehicles, optimising aerodynamics, battery performance, and materials.
Urban Congestion
Quantum-powered optimisation promises to adapt traffic flows in real time, re-routing vehicles dynamically to reduce gridlock and delays.
Complex Freight and Logistics
Fleet-wide route planning for thousands of vehicles could be optimised using quantum algorithms, balancing capacity, delivery windows, and fuel efficiency, even under disruption.
Navigation Without GPS
Quantum inertial sensors and gyroscopes enable precise navigation underground, in tunnels, or in GPS-denied urban canyons, supporting autonomous vehicles, drones, and delivery robots.
Multimodal Network Coordination
Quantum optimisation promises to synchronise road, rail, air, and maritime transport to minimise passenger wait times, cargo dwell times, and overall transit costs.
Infrastructure Resilience
Quantum simulation could help design transport infrastructure to withstand climate risks, and quantum sensing promises to detect corrosion, leaks, or structural degradation early.
Relevant Quantum Technologies for Transport
Which tools are most relevant, and why.
Quantum Computing & Optimisation
Real-time network optimisation for traffic, freight, and public transport
Predictive analytics for demand forecasting and disruption management
Advanced simulation for vehicle design, aerodynamics, and fuel efficiency
Quantum Communications & Security
Quantum-secure data transfer for safety-critical systems
Assured, tamper-proof timing and synchronisation for autonomous systems
Quantum Sensing
Inertial navigation for GPS-denied environments
Leak and corrosion detection for hazardous materials transport
Structural monitoring for bridges, tunnels, and critical infrastructure
Industry Progress and Active Projects
Quantum-enabled transport innovation in action
Transport for NSW +
Q-CTRL
Exploring how quantum algorithms can optimise traffic flow, scheduling, and logistics across complex transport networks.
Nomad Atomics
Developing rugged quantum inertial navigation systems for GPS-free navigation in underground, remote, or dense urban environments.
Q-CTRL + Advanced Navigation
Building compact, commercial-grade quantum navigation devices for AVs, drones, and delivery systems in challenging environments.
Brisbane 2032 Quantum Optimisation Project
(Griffith University & CSIRO Data61)
Applying quantum computing to crowd safety, accessible transport planning, and real-time vehicle dispatch for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Barriers to Adoption, and How We Help
Overcoming the hurdles to quantum-enabled mobility
Technical Readiness
We connect transport operators with technology developers to trial quantum optimisation and sensing tools in live environments.
Awareness and Confidence
We showcase early use cases and measurable impact to shift perceptions from “future tech” to “practical tool.”
Skills Gap
We facilitate cross-sector training and placements to bridge the knowledge gap between quantum specialists and transport professionals.
Regulation and Standards
We advocate for regulatory sandboxes and standards development to enable trials in safety-critical transport systems.
Use Cases
Connect with our Partnerships Teams
Looking to optimise your transport network, logistics operation, or navigation systems?
Quantum Australia can help identify the right technology partners, support pilot projects, and ensure your organisation is ready to capture the benefits of quantum innovation.
Let’s shape the future, together.