The amalgamation of quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to redefine the capabilities of future 6G networks. This paper presents a structured, system-level analysis of Quantum-enabled AI (QAI) for 6G, organized around a unifying technical framework that progresses from foundations to algorithms, integration, security and deployment. Specifically, we ask: How can quantum technologies be systematically integrated into AI-native 6G networks in a secure, scalable and practically deployable manner? To answer this, we first establish foundational concepts in quantum computing and hybrid quantum-classical architectures as the enabling substrate. Next, we classify quantum machine learning (QML) algorithms by learning paradigm, quantum subroutine, hardware model and ML pipeline stage, directly mapping each category to specific 6G network functions. Building on this algorithmic layer, we examine how QAI integrates into 6G AI pipelines across training, inference, sensing and federated learning. Beyond taxonomy, we provide a comparative tradeoff analysis of representative QML methods, highlighting their suitability, latency implications, hardware readiness and limitations across practical 6G communication scenarios. We then analyze the security implications of this integration, addressing new attack vectors, adversarial threats, hardware vulnerabilities and post-quantum cryptographic requirements that arise specifically at the quantum-classical interface. Finally, we identify the architectural, algorithmic and regulatory barriers that must be addressed before deployment and synthesize lessons learned and strategic recommendations for researchers, developers and policymakers. This layered, interdependent structure, from hardware substrate through algorithmic capability to secure deployment, provides a coherent roadmap for advancing trustworthy QAI ecosystems in 6G.
The amalgamation of quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to redefine the capabilities of future 6G networks. This paper presents a structured, system-level analysis of Quantum-enabled AI (QAI) for 6G, organized around a unifying technical framework that progresses from foundations to algorithms, integration, security and deployment. Specifically, we ask: How can quantum technologies be systematically integrated into AI-native 6G networks in a secure, scalable and practically deployable manner? To answer this, we first establish foundational concepts in quantum computing and hybrid quantum-classical architectures as the enabling substrate. Next, we classify quantum machine learning (QML) algorithms by learning paradigm, quantum subroutine, hardware model and ML pipeline stage, directly mapping each category to specific 6G network functions. Building on this algorithmic layer, we examine how QAI integrates into 6G AI pipelines across training, inference, sensing and federated learning. Beyond taxonomy, we provide a comparative tradeoff analysis of representative QML methods, highlighting their suitability, latency implications, hardware readiness and limitations across practical 6G communication scenarios. We then analyze the security implications of this integration, addressing new attack vectors, adversarial threats, hardware vulnerabilities and post-quantum cryptographic requirements that arise specifically at the quantum-classical interface. Finally, we identify the architectural, algorithmic and regulatory barriers that must be addressed before deployment and synthesize lessons learned and strategic recommendations for researchers, developers and policymakers. This layered, interdependent structure, from hardware substrate through algorithmic capability to secure deployment, provides a coherent roadmap for advancing trustworthy QAI ecosystems in 6G.
AI-native 6G networks are envisioned to tightly embed artificial intelligence (AI) into the wireless ecosystem, enabling real-time, personalized, and privacy-preserving intelligence at the edge. A foundational pillar of this vision is federated learning (FL), which allows distributed model training across devices without sharing raw data. However, implementing classical FL methods faces several bottlenecks in heterogeneous dynamic wireless networks, including limited device compute capacity, unreliable connectivity, intermittent communications, and vulnerability to model security and data privacy breaches. This article investigates the integration of quantum federated learning (QFL) into AI-native 6G networks, forming a transformative paradigm capable of overcoming these challenges. By leveraging quantum techniques across computing, communication, and cryptography within FL workflows, QFL offers new capabilities along three key dimensions: (i) edge intelligence, (ii) network optimization, and (iii) security and privacy, which are studied in this work. We further present a case study demonstrating that a QFL framework employing the quantum approximate optimization algorithm outperforms classical methods in model convergence. We conclude the paper by identifying practical challenges facing QFL deployment, such as quantum state fragility, incompatibility with classical protocols, and hardware constraints, and then outline key research directions toward its scalable real-world adoption.
The sixth generation (6G) of wireless networks is expected to surpass the limitations of 5G by enabling terabit-level data rates, sub-millisecond latency, and ultra-dense connectivity through the integration of space-air-land-sea infrastructures and AI-driven autonomous management. However, such advancements pose new challenges in computational scalability and security against quantum-enabled threats. Quantum Artificial Intelligence (QAI), combining quantum computing principles with AI, offers exponential computational efficiency, enhanced model capacity, and resilient cryptographic solutions. This paper reviews QAI-based protocols for 6G across three domains: security, focusing on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and post-quantum cryptography; computing, including quantumenhanced edge intelligence and hybrid optimization; and data processing, with emphasis on terahertz (THz) channel modeling, holographic content, and real-time decision systems. The convergence of 6G and QAI is shown to mark a paradigm shift toward secure, scalable, and intelligent communication infrastructures of the future.
The rapid convergence of quantum computing and artificial intelligence is reshaping computational paradigms across cryptography, optimization, sensing, and intelligent systems. This paper surveys and synthesizes recent developments at the intersection of quantum computing and AI, with particular attention to superconducting quantum hardware, quantum reinforcement learning, quantum key distribution optimization, and hybrid AI-driven post-quantum security frameworks. Drawing upon 2026 literature — including advances in high-speed predistortion architectures for flux-bias lines [1], enhanced quantum key distribution parameter optimization [2], quantum reinforcement learning for spectrum allocation in 6G networks [3], hybrid AI–post-quantum encryption for Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) systems [4], and measurement-consistent low-field MRI enhancement via k-space noise modeling [5] — we present a unified perspective on how quantum resources augment classical AI and how AI, in turn, accelerates the practical deployment of quantum technologies. We introduce a conceptual Quantum–AI Convergence Framework that maps hardware constraints, algorithmic opportunities, and security requirements. The analysis highlights persistent challenges in noise resilience, scalability, hybrid orchestration, and regulatory readiness, while outlining promising research directions for trustworthy quantum-enhanced intelligence.
: The rapid convergence of quantum computing and artificial intelligence is reshaping computational paradigms across cryptography, optimization, sensing, and intelligent systems. This paper surveys and synthesizes recent developments at the intersection of quantum computing and AI, with particular attention to superconducting quantum hardware, quantum reinforcement learning, quantum key distribution optimization, and hybrid AI-driven post-quantum security frameworks. Drawing upon 2026 literature— including advances in high-speed predistortion architectures for flux-bias lines, enhanced quantum key distribution parameter optimization, quantum reinforcement learning for spectrum allocation in 6G networks, hybrid AI–post-quantum encryption for Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) systems, and measurement-consistent low-field MRI enhancement via k-space noise modeling—we present a unified perspective on how quantum resources augment classical AI and how AI, in turn, accelerates the practical deployment of quantum technologies. We introduce a conceptual Quantum–AI Convergence Framework that maps hardware constraints, algorithmic opportunities, and security requirements. The analysis highlights persistent challenges in noise resilience, scalability, hybrid orchestration, and regulatory readiness, while outlining promising research directions for trustworthy quantum-enhanced intelligence.
Quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI) are two rapidly evolving technologies poised to redefine the future of computation and decision-making.The two fields unite under the name Quantum Artificial Intelligence (QAI) or Quantum Intelligence, which enables a transformative approach to problem-solving through the fusion of AI mental functions with quantum computing capabilities.This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current landscape, highlighting the opportunities and challenges in integrating quantum computing with AI systems.The research investigates current developments in quantum machine learning, quantum neural networks, and hybrid quantum-classical systems, which show promise for achieving rapid performance improvements and enhanced scalability and data processing capabilities.At the same time, it identifies critical barriers, including hardware limitations, algorithmic complexity, data encoding issues, and the lack of standardization in frameworks.The review further explores future directions, including the role of explainable AI, error correction, and interdisciplinary research in achieving practical quantum-AI synergy.By analyzing both the technological potential and the practical constraints, this paper aims to outline a roadmap for advancing quantum intelligence as a transformative force in next-generation computational paradigms.
Secure, privacy-preserving sharing and analysis of health data is foundational to precision medicine, population health, and telehealth services. Emerging quantum networks promise fundamentally new communication primitives (entanglement, quantum key distribution) that when integrated with advanced AI architectures can enable end-to-end secure healthcare systems with improved confidentiality, tamper resistance, and novel distributed computation modes. This article develops a systematic framework for integrating quantum communications and cryptography with classical and hybrid quantum–classical AI models in healthcare. We (a) summarize the enabling quantum network technologies and AI building blocks, (b) propose layered system architectures and protocols for secure data exchange and collaborative learning, (c) formalize threat models and privacy requirements in healthcare contexts, (d) discuss algorithmic integrations (federated learning with QKD, quantum-enhanced machine learning, secure multiparty quantum protocols), (e) provide evaluation metrics and prototype deployment roadmaps, and (f) identify research gaps and regulatory implications. The treatment is scholarly yet practical, aimed at researchers, engineers, and healthcare stakeholders planning future-proof secure AI systems. (Keywords: quantum networks; quantum key distribution; quantum machine learning; federated learning; healthcare security; privacy.)