CASE STUDY 7 Ultra-high accuracy for automated testing in manufacturing of mission-critical systems To better manage ignition and improve safety, over a decade ago, the ArianeGroup, part of the European Space Agency (ESA), transitioned from traditional electrical control systems to advanced optical networks. Optical systems offered clear advantages such as lower costs, reduced weight, improved safety and strong resistance to electromagnetic interference. However, the complexity of these fibre-optic systems, with dozens of lines and multiple connectors, introduced new challenges for real-time monitoring and quality assurance. To address these challenges during assembly and launch, ArianeGroup partnered with ID Quantique to develop a cutting-edge solution based on quantum sensors known as superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs). These sensors are extremely sensitive to light and, when paired with specialized lasers and electronics, they can detect even the smallest anomalies within the networks in real time. An automated software platform manages the entire testing process, from execution to instant reporting. It identifies and localizes faults within the fibre network, generating real-time pass/fail reports with precise diagnostics. This ensures end-to-end validation of the fibre optic network without exposing ignition systems to risk. The impact of this innovation is profound. Ariane 6’s inaugural flight in July 2024 and 2025 validated this approach, marking the first industrial application of SNSPDs in aerospace. The technology’s capabilities in enhanced precision and automation in complex networks are directly applicable to sectors such as automotive, electronics, and high-tech manufacturing, where system integrity and speed are critical.24 CASE STUDY 8 Efficient cryptographic verification for secure software delivery As advanced manufacturing systems become increasingly software-driven and connected, securing firmware updates is critical. The rise of quantum computing threatens traditional encryption, exposing production systems to new cyber risks. NXP Semiconductors and Denso Corporation have taken a pioneering step by integrating PQC into their software delivery pipeline. PQC-upgraded digital signatures were implemented in the vehicle networking systems to verify authenticity of over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates. The solution was deployed on NXP’s Hardware Security Engine (HSE), which acts as a tamper-proof root of trust. With the enhancement, signature verification required less than 3 kilobytes (KB) of memory. This is a 90% improvement over previous implementations and completes in just 11 milliseconds, which is extremely small. It ensures security enhancements do not compromise user experience or system throughput, a crucial requirement for embedded systems not only in automotives, and is also relevant for robotics, energy systems and medical devices. This kind of analysis is crucial for industries transitioning to quantum-safe cryptography, as it helps determine how to deploy these new algorithms for secure software delivery without disrupting existing workflows or compromising security. It also aligns with emerging global compliance standards, helping manufacturers future-proof their operations against quantum threats. By mitigating risks, the solution reinforces trust across digital ecosystems and delivers strategic assurance to executive stakeholders.25Quantum security and communicationsEarly quantum technology case studies (non-exhaustive) in production (continued) Quantum sensing (continued) Quantum Technologies: Key Opportunities for Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chains 15

Quantum Technologies Key Opportunities for Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chains 2025