Early quantum technology case studies (non-exhaustive) in production CASE STUDY 5 Enhancing manufacturing operations efficiency through advanced scheduling optimization Ford Otosan, a global leader in commercial vehicle production, faced growing complexity in production sequencing of over 1,500 highly customizable vehicle variants of Ford Transit vehicles. Each change in specifications, such as roof height or wheelbase, required reprogramming welding robots across 250 stations, often leading to delays and reduced response to supply chain disruptions. Scheduling production runs for 1,000 vehicles with limited constraints can take up to 10 minutes using conventional computing, and even longer with open-source tools, creating bottlenecks in the manufacturing process. To address this, Ford Otosan adopted a new scheduling approach that uses hybrid classical-quantum computing using quantum annealers. This solution enabled the company to generate high-quality, feasible production schedules in under five minutes, even managing up to 16,000 constraints for a single production run. When a similar run was executed on traditional setup, it could not be executed within a reasonable timeframe. As a result, Ford Otosan has significantly transformed its scheduling processes, improved its ability to adapt to real-time changes and enhanced overall manufacturing flexibility. The new scheduling system also allows Ford Otosan to reclaim valuable manufacturing time, enabling the production of approximately one additional vehicle every 10 hours during periods of high demand, boosting overall output. Ford Otosan plans to extend this optimization approach to paint shops and assembly zones, as well as to upstream and downstream processes. This case highlights how advanced scheduling optimization can deliver tangible operational benefits in large-scale, highly variable manufacturing environments, supporting greater agility, efficiency and resilience across the value chain.22 CASE STUDY 6 Transforming quality assurance in semiconductor manufacturing As semiconductor architectures grow increasingly complex, traditional inspection methods face limitations in detecting nanoscale defects and process variations. These hidden anomalies can compromise device yield, reliability and time- to-market, especially as manufacturers push the boundaries of miniaturization and integration density. To address these operational pain points, leading semiconductor manufacturers are adopting advanced quality control solutions in their workflows. One such approach leverages quantum diamond sensors to identify subtle magnetic signatures associated with nanoscale defects and material variations, enabling non-invasive, high-resolution inspection during early production stages. This approach allows manufacturers to identify faults before they propagate, significantly reducing rework, scrap and downstream failures. Embedding quantum sensing into in-line inspection systems enables manufacturers to support the development of next-generation devices with tighter tolerances and more complex architectures, ensuring competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market. Beyond semiconductors, this technology holds promise across the broader electronics manufacturing sector, supporting the reliable production of components critical to 5G, IoT and high-performance computing. As quantum sensing solutions become more accessible and scalable, they are poised to drive greater efficiency, sustainability and innovation across the electronics supply chain.23Quantum computing Quantum sensing Quantum Technologies: Key Opportunities for Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chains 14

Quantum Technologies Key Opportunities for Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chains 2025