A partnership combining quantum technologies and artificial intelligence
Running time: 9m 37s
We’re delighted to introduce the brand-new Prompt segment in Bruno Guglielminetti’s Mon Carnet podcast, where we highlight PROMPT-funded projects.
In this series, PROMPT General Manager Liette Lamonde invites you to discover the men and women behind the technological innovations developed in Quebec.
In this first episode, she talks to Aurélie Hélouis from InfinityQ and Hugues Mailhotte from ExplorAI about the innovation they have developed together to revolutionize parcel delivery – a complex headache facing the distribution sector.
(Liette) Can you briefly describe your project and explain the problem it aims to solve?
Our project aims to solve the well-known problem of the commercial traveller in the distribution sector. The aim is to optimize delivery routes by taking into account numerous factors and constraints, requiring complex calculations. For example, Amazon has to deliver thousands or even millions of parcels of various sizes and weights, with several delivery drivers and trucks with their own particular characteristics. The idea is therefore to optimize their routes by taking all these constraints and factors into account. Until now, there has been no effective solution to this challenge.
Aurélie, tell me, how does one become a woman at the head of a quantum organization?
I originally trained as an engineer. I went to naval school and spent 16 years in the navy, in naval aeronautics, with the opportunity to embark on the aircraft carrier. After those 16 years, I decided to switch to the civilian side and came to Montreal to do my M.E. at McGill. I discovered my passion for entrepreneurship at McGill, which led me to work at Amilia, Yoshua Bengio’s Center for Artificial Intelligence. There I met a professor who had rewritten a formulation of quantum mechanics. My interest in physics led me to look into quantum computing and its revolutionary promises. I saw an opportunity as an entrepreneur to leverage innovative technologies to achieve advanced computing capabilities today, without waiting for the advent of the quantum computer in ten years’ time. This is made possible by quantum-inspired technologies, using mathematical models without resorting to the quantum computer itself.
And Hughes, what brought you to EplorAI?
Having an entrepreneurial background, I’ve always been connected to technology in all the industries I’ve explored. Five or six years ago, I saw the emergence of artificial intelligence and how it could change things. I saw it as an opportunity to solve a number of problems encountered in my other companies, notably in the distribution business I started in 2000. These tools could have a real impact on the efficiency of these companies.
What is the impact of this innovation? What makes you proud to be working on this innovation project?
By combining the list of downtown events, weather and temperatures with good sequencing to assign the right people to the right places and routes, we go far beyond simply launching projects. There’s also a significant positive impact on the environment. Optimizing routes means fewer trucks on the road, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. So we’re also thinking about becoming greener, a concern and a source of pride linked to the impact of this project.
