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IEEE International Conference on Quantum Computing and Engineering (QCE)

Hybrid Quantum Search Algorithm for Solving the Multi-Dimensional Knapsack Problem

Gordon Cui, Rei Sato, Kazuhiro Saito, Rodney Van Meter, Hideyuki Kawashima

Published Sep 15, 2024• 1 citation
Publisher

Abstract

The Multi-Dimensional Knapsack Problem (MDKP) is a strongly NP-Hard combinatorial optimization problem that extends the Knapsack Problem (KP) to multiple constraints. While effective heuristic classical MDKP algorithms have been studied, there remains no optimal exact classical algorithm and only few contributions using quantum algorithms exist. In this study, we leverage Grover's search and pre-processing techniques to propose an iterative quantum search algorithm and circuit design that integrates classical adjustments to the oracle, progressively refining solutions until optimal. Evaluations show that our method reduces depth, width, iterations, and runtime.

DOI
10.1109/qce60285.2024.10376

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The Multi-Dimensional Knapsack Problem (MDKP) is a strongly NP-Hard combinatorial optimization problem that extends the Knapsack Problem (KP) to multiple constraints. While effective heuristic classical MDKP algorithms have been studied, there remains no optimal exact classical algorithm and only few contributions using quantum algorithms exist. In this study, we leverage Grover's search and pre-processing techniques to propose an iterative quantum search algorithm and circuit design that integrates classical adjustments to the oracle, progressively refining solutions until optimal. Evaluations show that our method reduces depth, width, iterations, and runtime.
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Abstract Solving combinatorial optimization problems represents a challenge for researchers, especially hard NP-complete problems that are commonly handled through heuristic methods providing approximate solutions. The emergence of quantum computing, which enables performing parallel computation, raises hope for solving such problems within a reasonable time frame. This paper proposes a quantum global optimization algorithm to solve combinatorial optimization problems intended to provide an improved performance. The proposed algorithm aims to amplify the probability of selecting the global optimum of the objective function defining the addressed problem using a specific variant of Grover’s search based on simultaneously exploring all comparison cases of possible solutions to recognize the right one. The paper also includes the study of precision and runtime of the presented concept and introduces a version of the proposed algorithm addressing the knapsack problem, along with its execution results and a comparison with other competing algorithms.
Abstract Solving combinatorial optimization problems represents a challenge for researchers, especially hard NP-complete problems that are commonly handled through heuristic methods providing approximate solutions. The emergence of quantum computing, which enables performing parallel computation, raises hope for solving such problems within a reasonable time frame. This paper proposes a quantum global optimization algorithm to solve combinatorial optimization problems intended to provide an improved performance. The proposed algorithm aims to amplify the probability of selecting the global optimum of the objective function defining the addressed problem using a specific variant of Grover’s search based on simultaneously exploring all comparison cases of possible solutions to recognize the global optimum. The paper also includes the study of precision and runtime of the presented concept and introduces a version of the proposed algorithm addressing the knapsack problem, along with its execution results and a comparison with other competing algorithms
The Multi-Knapsack Problem (MKP) is a fundamental challenge in operations research and combinatorial optimization. Quantum computing introduces new possibilities for solving MKP using Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) models. However, a key challenge in QUBO formulations is the selection of penalty parameters, which directly influence solution feasibility and algorithm performance. In this work, we develop QUBO formulations for two MKP variants—the Multidimensional Knapsack Problem (MDKP) and the Multiple Knapsack Problem (MUKP)—and provide an algebraic characterization of their penalty parameters. We systematically evaluate their impact through quantum simulation experiments and compare the performance of the two leading quantum optimization approaches: Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA) and quantum annealing, alongside a state-of-the-art classical solver. Our results indicate that while classical solvers remain superior, careful tuning of penalty parameters has a strong impact on quantum optimization outcomes. QAOA is highly sensitive to parameter choices, whereas quantum annealing produces more stable results on small to mid-sized instances. Further, our results reveal that MDKP instances can maintain feasibility at penalty values below theoretical bounds, while MUKP instances show greater sensitivity to penalty reductions. Finally, we outline directions for future research in solving MKP, including adaptive penalty parameter tuning, hybrid quantum-classical approaches, and practical optimization strategies for QAOA, as well as real-hardware evaluations.