In this paper, we conduct a systematic literature review of (semi-) automated approaches to Quantum Software Engineering (QSE) and Quantum Artificial Intelligence (QAI). Prior work in the literature indicated that both Software Engineering (SE) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) practices may become more efficient by using (semi-) automated approaches. This also holds in the Quantum Computing (QC), Quantum Information Science (QIS), and Quantum Engineering (QE) world, as well as in hybrid quantum-classical applications. In fact, automation is even more crucial in such cases since there is a limited number of developers and AI experts (e.g., data scientists) who possess the required knowledge and skills in QC. Moreover, in hybrid setups, automation may help decide what part of the application should be deployed on quantum hardware and on which of the available quantum platforms, if applicable. This can be a significant help to achieve productivity leap and efficiency even for subject matter experts. Unlike prior literature reviews and surveys, this work focuses on automation in SE and AI for quantum and hybrid quantum-classical applications and identifies the recent trends and future directions through a systematic literature review. We are interested in methods and techniques that can enable a broader development and deployment of quantum and hybrid AI-enabled software systems.
In this paper, we conduct a systematic literature review of (semi-) automated approaches to Quantum Software Engineering (QSE) and Quantum Artificial Intelligence (QAI). Prior work in the literature indicated that both Software Engineering (SE) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) practices may become more efficient by using (semi-) automated approaches. This also holds in the Quantum Computing (QC), Quantum Information Science (QIS), and Quantum Engineering (QE) world, as well as in hybrid quantum-classical applications. In fact, automation is even more crucial in such cases since there is a limited number of developers and AI experts (e.g., data scientists) who possess the required knowledge and skills in QC. Moreover, in hybrid setups, automation may help decide what part of the application should be deployed on quantum hardware and on which of the available quantum platforms, if applicable. This can be a significant help to achieve productivity leap and efficiency even for subject matter experts. Unlike prior literature reviews and surveys, this work focuses on automation in SE and AI for quantum and hybrid quantum-classical applications and identifies the recent trends and future directions through a systematic literature review. We are interested in methods and techniques that can enable a broader development and deployment of quantum and hybrid AI-enabled software systems.
Quantum Computing (QC) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have emerged as key technologies in the evolution of Industry 6.0, driving advancements in automation and advanced analytics, and process optimization. Their integration holds the potential to revolutionize sectors such as data science, healthcare, finance, and cybersecurity by enabling faster and more efficient computations through qubits, superposition, and quantum entanglement. However, the lack of structured knowledge regarding specific QC methodologies and applications in AI hinders its optimal implementation and development. Consequently, this study aims to identify the applications and variables associated with QC-AI integration. To this end, a systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 methodology, drawing on studies from Scopus and Web of Science databases. This enabled the analysis of trends, limitations, and opportunities in this technological convergence. This study aims to systematically examine the intersection of quantum computing and artificial intelligence by identifying the key technological features, integration requirements, and sectoral applications that define the current state of the field. The review contributes by mapping existing research, highlighting methodological approaches, and revealing gaps that may guide targeted advancements in hybrid quantum AI systems. The insights generated have the potential to accelerate innovation in high-impact domains such as healthcare, finance, energy, and cybersecurity. The findings indicate that the main advances in QC applied to AI focus on quantum optimization, Quantum Machine Learning (QML), and post-quantum cryptography. Notably, sectors such as energy, healthcare, and finance have shown significant progress in adopting these technologies. For example, in healthcare, QML has been applied to simulate molecular interactions to accelerate drug discovery, and in finance, it enhances predictive models for market behavior. The study concludes that although QC demonstrates substantial potential to enhance AI, its broader adoption remains constrained by reliance on NISQ hardware, the need for effective error correction, and the limited scalability of hybrid quantum classical algorithms. Addressing these challenges will be essential to establishing QML as a cornerstone of technological innovation and digital transformation. Additionally, this review introduces an integrative framework that categorizes key AI QC convergence dimensions and proposes a classification of application areas based on technical requirements and algorithmic capabilities. These contributions aim to guide future experimental validations and hybrid model development.
In order to handle the increasing complexity of software systems, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been applied to various areas of software engineering, including requirements engineering, coding, testing, and debugging. This has led to the emergence of AI for Software Engineering as a distinct research area within the field of software engineering. With the development of quantum computing, the field of Quantum AI (QAI) is arising, enhancing the performance of classical AI and holding significant potential for solving classical software engineering problems. Some initial applications of QAI in software engineering have already emerged, such as test case optimization. However, the path ahead remains open, offering ample opportunities to solve complex software engineering problems cost-effectively with QAI. To this end, this article presents a roadmap towards the application of QAI in software engineering. Specifically, we consider two of the main categories of QAI, i.e., quantum optimization algorithms and quantum machine learning. For each software engineering phase, we discuss how these QAI approaches can address some of the tasks associated with that phase. Moreover, we provide an overview of some of the possible challenges that need to be addressed to make the application of QAI for software engineering successful.
The increasing maturity of Quantum Computing (QC) and quantum hardware hasbrought Quantum Software Design (QSD) into focus as a distinct research concernwithin Quantum Software Engineering (QSE), yet no prior study has systematicallymapped its approaches, challenges, and opportunities. This thesis addresses thatgap through two complementary research phases: a Systematic Literature Review(SLR) of 32 studies published between 2006 and 2025, and semi-structured inter-views with four domain experts. Both phases confirm that quantum-classical hybrid design is the dominant approach in current QSD research, and that the adaptationof classical tools, particularly Unified Modeling Language (UML) and Model-DrivenEngineering (MDE), is the primary methodological strategy. Hardware-software co-design is identified as a necessary design concern under Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) constraints; two further directions absent from the published liter-ature were identified by practitioners: AI-assisted QSD and self-adaptive quantumsystems. The challenge analysis reveals a potential causal sequence of challenges in the field. Human resources challenges, specifically, the bidirectional knowledge gap between software engineers and quantum computing researchers, emerge exclusively from the interviews and are absent from all 32 reviewed studies. MDE is the most convergent near-term opportunity, and the formalization of human resources and educational pathways represents a new research direction not addressed in the existing literature.
Artificial intelligence (AI) advancements over the past few years have had an unprecedented and revolutionary impact across everyday application areas. Its significance also extends to technical challenges within science and engineering, including the nascent field of quantum computing (QC). The counterintuitive nature and high-dimensional mathematics of QC make it a prime candidate for AI's data-driven learning capabilities, and in fact, many of QC's biggest scaling challenges may ultimately rest on developments in AI. However, bringing leading techniques from AI to QC requires drawing on disparate expertise from arguably two of the most advanced and esoteric areas of computer science. Here we aim to encourage this cross-pollination by reviewing how state-of-the-art AI techniques are already advancing challenges across the hardware and software stack needed to develop useful QC - from device design to applications. We then close by examining its future opportunities and obstacles in this space.
Quantum computing, particularly in the area of quantum optimization, is steadily progressing toward practical applications, supported by an expanding range of hardware platforms and simulators. While Software Engineering (SE) optimization has a strong foundation, which is exemplified by the active Search-Based Software Engineering (SBSE) community and numerous classical optimization methods, the growing complexity of modern software systems and their engineering processes demands innovative solutions. This Systematic Literature Review (SLR) focuses specifically on studying the literature that applies quantum or quantum-inspired algorithms to solve classical SE optimization problems. We examine 76 primary studies selected from an initial pool of 2083 publications obtained through systematic searches of six digital databases using carefully crafted search strings. Our findings reveal concentrated research efforts in areas such as SE operations and software testing, while exposing significant gaps across other SE activities. Additionally, the SLR uncovers relevant works published outside traditional SE venues, underscoring the necessity of this comprehensive review. Overall, our study provides a broad overview of the research landscape, empowering the SBSE community to leverage quantum advancements in addressing next-generation SE challenges.
Context: Quantum software development is a complex and intricate process that diverges significantly from traditional software development. Quantum computing and quantum software are deeply entangled with quantum mechanics, which introduces a different level of abstraction and a deep dependence on quantum physical properties. The classical requirements engineering methods must be adapted to encompass the essential quantum features in this new paradigm. Aim: This study aims to systematically identify and analyze challenges, opportunities, developments, and new lines of research in requirements engineering for quantum computing. Method: We conducted a systematic literature review, including three research questions. This study included 105 papers published from 2017 to 2024. Results: The main results include the identification of problems associated with defining specific requirements for quantum software and hybrid system requirements. In addition, we identified challenges related to the absence of standards for quantum requirements engineering. Finally, we can see the advances in developing programming languages and simulation tools for developing software in hybrid systems. Conclusions: This study presents the challenges and opportunities in quantum computing requirements engineering, emphasizing the need for new methodologies and tools. It proposes a roadmap for future research to develop a standardized framework, contributing to theoretical foundations and practical applications.