Australian quantum technology developer Q-CTRL has ventured into a partnership with the Department of Defence to develop quantum sensors that will enable GPS-free navigation for Australia and its AUKUS partners.
The program will provide quantum-enhanced positioning and navigation capability built on Q-CTRL’s software-ruggedized quantum sensing technology, the company said in a press release.
Quantum-enhanced navigation is designed to deliver the ability for vehicles to position accurately over long periods when GPS is unavailable or untrustworthy, opening new frontiers for defence operations. This type of navigation can be used in long-endurance missions that were otherwise impossible and secure positioning against jamming or spoofing by hostile adversaries.
Q-CTRL’s technology uses the quantum physics of atoms to detect motion and small changes in Earth’s gravitation field.
The company is a pioneer in the application of artificial intelligence-enhanced infrastructure software to improve the operation of quantum hardware. Q-CTRL recently demonstrated that they can ruggedize quantum sensors entirely in software to maintain advantages even in challenging field environments, such as moving platforms subject to strong vibrations.
“From day one we knew that our specialized expertise in quantum control could unlock totally new applications of quantum technology,” said Prof. Michael Biercuk, chief executive and founder of Q-CTRL.
“We’ve shown we can boost the performance of quantum computers and quantum sensors by orders of magnitude – entirely through software. Now we’re pleased to be applying these capabilities to a critical defence mission for Australia.”
The new defence contract supports the first of a multi-year effort to field-deploy and validate miniaturised systems on defence platforms. It also represents one of the first international partnerships between the government and the private sector to apply quantum technology in real defence settings.
“Defence recognises that quantum sensing has the potential to fundamentally transform Defence capability. Partnerships of this kind demonstrate our capacity to translate innovative concepts into capability, delivered by a world-class Australian deep-tech company,” said Emily Hilder, interim head of Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator.
