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International Conference on System Theory, Control and Computing (ICSTCC)

Practical applications of Quantum Computing for Optimization Problems

Lorenzo Zuccari, Fabio Previtali, Emanuele D’Agostini

Published Oct 9, 2025• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the capabilities of state-of-the-art quantum computing applications, with a particular emphasis on their effectiveness in solving optimization problems. Specifically, it focuses on Quantum Annealing algorithms, examining their potential advantages and inherent limitations, reviews the capabilities of existing models, replicates proposed solutions for addressing NP-Hard problems, and systematically compares the results obtained with those produced by classical algorithms. Through this analysis, the study seeks to provide a rigorous assessment of the practical effectiveness of quantum annealing in optimization tasks and its viability as an alternative to classical computational methods in the near future.

DOI
10.1109/icstcc66753.2025.11240299

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This study aims to evaluate the capabilities of state-of-the-art quantum computing applications, with a particular emphasis on their effectiveness in solving optimization problems. Specifically, it focuses on Quantum Annealing algorithms, examining their potential advantages and inherent limitations, reviews the capabilities of existing models, replicates proposed solutions for addressing NP-Hard problems, and systematically compares the results obtained with those produced by classical algorithms. Through this analysis, the study seeks to provide a rigorous assessment of the practical effectiveness of quantum annealing in optimization tasks and its viability as an alternative to classical computational methods in the near future.
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This paper investigates the application of scalable quantum annealing to solve computationally challenging combinatorial optimization problems. The core idea is to map these problems into a quantum annealing framework, leveraging quantum tunneling to efficiently explore the solution space and ultimately converge to the global optimum. The research addresses the existing limitations in the scalability of quantum annealing, proposing a novel approach to tackle NP-hard problems effectively. We will demonstrate the potential of this methodology through a theoretical analysis and formulation of the quantum annealing algorithm, focusing on key parameters and their impact on solution quality and runtime. The ultimate goal is to provide a foundational understanding of applying quantum annealing to combinatorial optimization, paving the way for future developments and practical implementations. This work introduces a new framework for approaching complex optimization problems by harnessing the unique properties of quantum mechanics.
Quantum computing has emerged as a transformative paradigm, leveraging principles of quantum mechanics to tackle computationally intractable problems. This manuscript explores the potential of quantum computing for solving complex engineering problems—specifically optimization, simulation, and data analysis tasks—using technologies and methodologies available up to 2022. We examine both gate-based and quantum annealing approaches, outline experimental frameworks, and compare performance against classical counterparts. Results from simulated benchmark problems demonstrate promising speedups in select cases, though practical adoption is constrained by hardware limitations such as qubit coherence times and noise. The study concludes by highlighting avenues for integrating hybrid quantum-classical workflows in engineering, along with a discussion of current constraints and future directions. Over the past decade, research efforts have focused on understanding how quantum phenomena like superposition and entanglement can be harnessed to realize computational advantages for specific problem classes. In particular, combinatorial optimization problems—ubiquitous in engineering design and logistics—offer fertile ground for quantum algorithms such as the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA) and quantum annealing. Additionally, quantum simulation techniques, including the Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE), promise to accelerate the modeling of physical systems at the molecular and materials level, potentially informing the design of next-generation structural and functional materials. Beyond raw algorithmic performance, this paper carefully assesses the end‑to‑end workflow, accounting for overheads in problem encoding, error mitigation, and classical post‑processing. We also present a detailed analysis of resource utilization—quantified by qubit counts, circuit depths, and annealing schedules—highlighting trade‑offs between solution quality and execution time. Ultimately, our findings underscore that, while pure quantum speedups remain rare in 2022, hybrid approaches harnessing both quantum and classical resources can yield practical benefits for small‑to‑medium scale engineering tasks. This expanded evaluation provides a roadmap for researchers and practitioners interested in applying quantum computing to real‑world engineering challenges.