The Industry Track 4.0 Technical Workshops, which are held as part of the Burgos Industry 4.0 Technology Meeting, have become an important forum for analyzing emerging technologies, as the digital transformation of industry continues. During the event, Enrique Crespo, GMV’s Quantum Technologies Solutions Leader, introduced the CUCO project, and he emphasized his company’s commitment to quantum computing as a vector of innovation. With funding from Spain’s Ministry of Science and Innovation and the Center for Industrial Technological Development (CDTI), the aim of the CUCO project is to advance the state of the art for quantum algorithms, and to carry out proofs of concept in strategic industries such as energy, finance, space, defense, and logistics.

Mr. Crespo explained how quantum computing can address problems that traditional computing is unable to efficiently solve, and he described the advantages it offers for performing simulation of materials, optimizing industrial processes, and developing new applications. He also highlighted GMV’s leading role in creation of a quantum infrastructure, and the contribution it is making to enhancing Spain’s international reputation as a leader in advanced technologies.

Next, in view of the industrial nature of the event, he stressed the importance of use cases focused on applications in industry, and he expressed his view that these cases are fundamental for implementing the use of quantum techniques in actual industrial processes. He also sees this as a way of making these techniques more efficient, while also improving the competitive position of Spanish industry.

He went on to mention some of the obstacles to their adoption, and he said that anticipating the needs and use modes of these computing techniques represent the initial steps on a path that leads towards logical and appropriate adoption of these technologies, for the very diverse processes that characterize Spain’s industrial ecosystem.

The roundtable discussion also addressed the evolution and maturity of other technologies, such as large language models (LLMs) in artificial intelligence, 5G, and advanced cybersecurity. The experts in attendance agreed that integrating these emerging solutions into industrial environments will allow for smarter automation, more secure and efficient communications, and a resilient and flexible production environment.