Internet of Everything (IoE) refers to the intelligent connection among people, things, data and processes, essentially inclining toward the next-generation networks. To unleash the full potential of the IoE framework, it often requires nearly real-time management decisions regarding deployment and scheduling operations. The IoE service management problems, primarily formulated as traditional mathematical programming models, are NP-hard, hence inappropriate for time-sensitive IoE environments. This thesis promotes the need to go beyond the realms and leverage quantum computing-based service management. Next, the feasibility of applying quantum computing for IoE optimization, based on today's available quantum resources (qubits), is intended for evaluation. Further along this line, the vision includes determining the advantages of solving NP-hard problems using quantum computing over classical approaches, as well as identifying major trade-offs that hinder applicability. Based on the research progress, hybrid quantum-classical computing is the key to solve futuristic IoE service management optimizations, considering the limited availability of quantum computing resources (qubits). The synergistic research for quantum computing-enabled network optimization and analytics can be regarded as an effort to scale down massive resource fabrication costs and upgrade profit margins for service providers.
Internet of Everything (IoE) refers to the intelligent connection among people, things, data and processes, essentially inclining toward the next-generation networks. To unleash the full potential of the IoE framework, it often requires nearly real-time management decisions regarding deployment and scheduling operations. The IoE service management problems, primarily formulated as traditional mathematical programming models, are NP-hard, hence inappropriate for time-sensitive IoE environments. This thesis promotes the need to go beyond the realms and leverage quantum computing-based service management. Next, the feasibility of applying quantum computing for IoE optimization, based on today's available quantum resources (qubits), is intended for evaluation. Further along this line, the vision includes determining the advantages of solving NP-hard problems using quantum computing over classical approaches, as well as identifying major trade-offs that hinder applicability. Based on the research progress, hybrid quantum-classical computing is the key to solve futuristic IoE service management optimizations, considering the limited availability of quantum computing resources (qubits). The synergistic research for quantum computing-enabled network optimization and analytics can be regarded as an effort to scale down massive resource fabrication costs and upgrade profit margins for service providers.
Combinatorial optimization problems play a vital role in computer science and engineering, with applications in logistics, network design, finance, and resource allocation. However, many of these problems are NP-hard, making them computationally expensive to solve using classical optimization techniques, especially for large-scale instances. In recent years, quantum computing has emerged as a promising paradigm capable of addressing these limitations by leveraging quantum mechanical principles such as superposition and entanglement. This study investigates the application of quantum computing for solving combinatorial optimization problems, with a focus on algorithm design, complexity analysis, and real-world applicability. The research primarily employs the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA) and Grover's search algorithm to solve representative problems such as Max-Cut and the Knapsack problem. The performance of these algorithms is evaluated using key metrics including accuracy, execution time, and approximation ratio, and is compared with classical optimization techniques. The results demonstrate that QAOA is capable of generating near-optimal solutions, achieving accuracy levels of up to 93% for small problem instances. However, the study also highlights the challenges associated with current quantum systems, including noise, limited qubit availability, and increased execution time. Comparative analysis reveals that while classical methods remain more efficient for small-scale problems, quantum algorithms show significant potential for scalability and handling complex optimization tasks. The findings suggest that hybrid quantum-classical approaches offer a practical solution in the current Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) era. The study concludes that although quantum computing is still evolving, it holds strong potential for transforming combinatorial optimization in the future.
Quantum Machine Learning (QML) has emerged as a transformative paradigm that integrates the computational advantages of quantum computing with the adaptive intelligence of machine learning to solve complex optimization problems in smart computing systems. Traditional optimization techniques often struggle with high-dimensional search spaces, combinatorial complexity, computational overhead, and scalability limitations in applications such as intelligent transportation, healthcare analytics, smart manufacturing, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructures. QML approaches exploit quantum superposition, entanglement, and quantum parallelism to accelerate optimization tasks and enhance predictive performance beyond classical machine learning capabilities. This research proposes a hybrid Quantum Machine Learning optimization framework that combines Variational Quantum Circuits (VQCs), Quantum Neural Networks (QNNs), and classical deep learning models to address resource allocation, task scheduling, energy optimization, and intelligent decision-making in smart computing environments. The proposed framework integrates quantum-enhanced feature extraction, adaptive optimization layers, and reinforcement-based learning mechanisms to improve convergence speed and computational efficiency. Experimental analysis is performed using benchmark optimization datasets and simulated quantum environments to evaluate accuracy, execution time, energy efficiency, and scalability. Comparative results demonstrate that the proposed QML-based framework achieves superior optimization accuracy, reduced computational latency, and improved resource utilization when compared with traditional machine learning and classical metaheuristic optimization methods. Furthermore, the study highlights the practical significance of hybrid quantum-classical architectures in next-generation intelligent systems where large-scale optimization and real-time decision support are critical. The findings suggest that QML can significantly contribute to the advancement of sustainable, adaptive, and high-performance smart computing ecosystems while opening new directions for future quantum-aware intelligent infrastructures.
Metaverse refers to the intersection of parallel virtual worlds with their physical counterparts by allowing users to interact with virtual people, objects, and environments. Resource allocation in various aspects of Metaverse domains, called as MetaSlices hereinafter, is a crucial optimization research problem. To serve this purpose, we consider a MetaSlice framework with the notion of sharing resources among common functions and enable placing time-sensitive services at the edge of multi-tier architecture in proximity to users. Unfortunately, the classical Integer Linear Programming is inappropriate for such heavily constrained optimization problem due to the extensive running time and memory. Hence, we model a novel Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) formulation to simultaneously optimize resources and secure Quality of Service for MetaSlices as a paradigm shift towards quantum computing. Furthermore, we propose to employ a hybrid classical-quantum WSQA to optimize resource under uncertainty, offer ultra-low running time, and increase service acceptance rate/scalability in resource-hungry and dynamic Metaverse system. Extensive simulation results demonstrate that WSQA outperforms other classical and standalone quantum annealing approaches, even with the limited availability of qubits (quantum resources). Thus, this research paves the way to decrease massive resource fabrication costs and upgrade profit margin for Metaverse Internet Service Providers, while simultaneously providing real-time services for Metaverse users.
Industrial engineering increasingly depends on solving large-scale optimization problems involving scheduling, routing, resource allocation, inventory control, energy management, and supply-chain coordination. Classical exact methods often become computationally expensive when problem size, uncertainty, and combinatorial complexity grow rapidly. Although practical quantum computers are still developing, quantum-inspired computing approaches have emerged as powerful alternatives that adapt principles from quantum mechanics to run on classical hardware. This paper investigates quantum-inspired computing approaches for complex optimization problems in industrial engineering. It examines methodologies including simulated annealing, tensor-network optimization, Ising formulations, quantum- inspired evolutionary algorithms, digital annealers, and hybrid classical-intelligent heuristics. Applications in production scheduling, facility layout, vehicle routing, maintenance planning, portfolio optimization, warehouse operations, and smart manufacturing are analyzed. Particular attention is given to solution quality, scalability, stochastic decision-making, real-time adaptability, and integration with Industry 4.0 data systems. Benefits include faster near-optimal solutions, improved operational efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and better responsiveness under uncertainty. Major challenges include formulation difficulty, parameter tuning, benchmarking inconsistency, interpretability, and transition barriers within traditional industrial workflows. A future roadmap is proposed involving hybrid quantum-classical ecosystems, AI- guided optimization engines, digital twins, and autonomous decision platforms. The paper concludes that quantum-inspired computing can deliver practical industrial value today by bridging the gap between conventional optimization and future quantum advantage, especially in environments where speed, flexibility, and complexity management are essential.
This dissertation addresses fundamental challenges in solving constrained combinatorial optimization problems using hybrid quantum-classical computing approaches. Quantum computing shows promise for tackling computationally intractable problems, current approaches face significant limitations. The path forward in computing involves combining quantum and classical computing approaches. Quantum processing units (QPUs) will play a key role in accelerating algorithms in optimization, simulation, and machine learning applications beyond what classical computers can achieve on their own, similar to how graphical processing units (GPUs) have become integral to general-purpose computing. The current generation of quantum devices is limited by noise and circuit depth constraints, making it challenging to gain practical utility. Hybrid quantum-classical approaches, which combine quantum computing resources with classical computing resources, are essential for addressing these limitations on near-term devices. In the area of combinatorial optimization, current practical state-of-the-art hybrid approaches are variational in nature, relying on parameterized quantum circuits to encode solutions and classical optimization techniques to find optimal parameters. While the ultimate goal of solving computationally intractable problems is to find provably optimal solutions, practical constraints of real-world scenarios often necessitate focusing on efficiently obtaining high-quality, near-optimal solutions. The Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA) is a hybrid quantum-classical approach for tackling these challenging problems that are encoded using quadratic and higher-order unconstrained binary optimization problems (QUBO and HUBO). QAOA alternates between two operators: a problem-specific cost Hamiltonian that encodes the optimization objective, and a mixer Hamiltonian that explores the solution space. The algorithm's parameters are iteratively optimized using classical methods to maximize the probability of sampling high-quality solutions. However, these methods often struggle with solution feasibility, especially for problems where the solutions must satisfy specific constraints. Penalty-based encodings require careful parameter tuning and risk producing infeasible solutions, while feasibility-preserving methods demand deeper quantum circuits that are challenging to implement on near-term quantum devices. In this dissertation, we present novel strategies that reduce or omit dependency on penalty parameters while maintaining solution quality, effectively capturing both optimal and near-optimal solutions, and balancing the trade-offs between circuit depth and solution feasibility. We present SCOOP, a novel QAOA-based framework for solving constrained optimization problems. SCOOP transforms a constrained problem into an unconstrained counterpart, forming SCOOP problem twins. QAOA operates on the unconstrained twin to identify potential optimal and near-optimal solutions. Effective classical post-processing reduces the solution set to the constrained problem space. Our SCOOP approach is solution-enhanced, objective-function-compatible, and scalable. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the SCOOP framework on selected NP-hard problems, some of which can be encoded quadratically (such as Minimum Vertex Cover and Maximum Independent Set), and some that can be encoded using higher-order terms (such as Minimum Dominating Set, Minimum Maximal Matching, and Minimum Set Cover). We also apply our framework to constrained combinatorial optimization problems that can be solved in polynomial time, such as Minimum Edge Cover and Maximum Matching. Experimental results on full statevector simulators and tensor network simulators show that SCOOP significantly improves the probability of finding high-quality feasible solutions across various problem classes, on problems that can be encoded quadratically as well as problems that can be encoded using higher-order terms. We also demonstrate the effectiveness of SCOOP on real quantum hardware, specifically IBM Quantum Heron R2 processors with 156 qubits, showing that SCOOP can be applied to practical problems with current quantum hardware limitations. This work makes significant contributions toward achieving quantum utility by enabling systematic investigation of constrained optimization problems on quantum devices. While current quantum computing research primarily focuses on unconstrained problems like MaxCut, real-world applications typically involve constraints. SCOOP provides a scalable framework for encoding constrained problems, extending quantum computing's practical utility beyond simple unconstrained cases. By eliminating dependency on penalty parameters and providing natural problem formulations, SCOOP makes it feasible to explore quantum solutions for constrained problems where classical exact methods become intractable. This capability is crucial for identifying promising avenues for demonstrating quantum utility across diverse constrained optimization problems, advancing the practical applicability of quantum computing approaches.
This chapter explores the transformative integration of Quantum Computing (QC) with the Internet of Things (IoT), highlighting significant advancements in security, optimization, and intelligent decision-making for cyber-physical systems. It provides a detailed review of quantum-enhanced algorithms, architectures, and sensing technologies designed for IoT ecosystems. Addressing the limitations of traditional methods in large-scale computation, network optimization, data analytics, and security, the chapter emphasizes core quantum concepts, i.e., superposition, entanglement, and interference. Techniques, including quantum annealing and the QAOA, enable efficient resource allocation, scheduling, and routing in emerging infrastructures like 6G and UAV networks. The use of hybrid quantum–classical models is examined for fault detection, cryptographic key generation, and real-time analytics across edge-to-cloud environments. QML has been shown to enhance adaptive learning and pattern recognition on resource-limited devices. To counter emerging cyber threats, quantum-resilient security solutions, including post-quantum cryptography, quantum random number generation, and quantum key distribution, are discussed. The chapter also highlights quantum sensors that utilize tunnelling, spin dynamics, and interference for applications in biomedical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, infrastructure evaluation, and autonomous navigation. Emerging use cases, including quantum-powered digital marketing and quantum-secured smart locks, are introduced. The chapter concludes by underscoring the transformative role of scalable hybrid QC–IoT architectures, which are poised to advance edge intelligence, smart infrastructure, healthcare, and logistics, while opening new directions for research and real-world deployment.