Founded in 2012 by Eihiro Saishu and Kumiko Sasaki, Fukuoka-based Groovenauts, Inc. is one of Japan’s preeminent quantum pioneers. The software company developed a cloud service called MAGELLAN BLOCKS in 2016 that enables companies across industries to use AI to solve hard business problems.
Earlier in 2019, Groovenauts unveiled a commercial service that integrates quantum computing into MAGELLAN BLOCKS with D-Wave. The combination of technologies gives users a quantum-hybrid solution for tackling business problems, without requiring specialized physics or programming knowledge. Groovenauts and D-Wave have been working together since 2018.
We spoke to Mr. Saishu prior to his session on MAGELLAN BLOCKS and hybrid computing at D-Wave’s Qubits user group meeting in Newport, RI.
Mr. Saishu, how would you describe Groovenauts and your technology in a few sentences?
Saishu: At Groovenauts, our mission is to build technology and software that helps businesses adapt their products and services to a new, connected economy. As market demands and consumer needs evolve, we look for ways to implement cutting-edge software for our customers, without prior technical expertise.
We developed MAGELLAN BLOCKS, our cloud service, to equip businesses with AI and quantum processing power. Already, we’ve successfully used AI in various fields to accurately predict product sales, customer traffic to stores, incoming calls to call centers, and much more.
Why did you choose to use quantum computing in MAGELLAN BLOCKS?
Saishu: As MAGELLAN BLOCKS became more accurate at making predictions, we discovered a market need to efficiently plan staff schedules for retail stores and distribution logistics companies. In our eyes, the best way to address that need was with quantum computing.
We believe that a hybrid solution with quantum computers will offer faster, more powerful, and more accurate results compared to traditional computers, especially as quantum technology matures. That’s why we ultimately chose to use the D-Wave 2000Q to accurately solve for business optimization problems. With D-Wave, we’re able to provide the best of both worlds of quantum and classical computing.
How did you test the accuracy and results of the 2000Q?
Saishu: Before we offered a hybrid service to the public, we needed to confirm that it worked effectively and accurately. The first thing we applied it to was shift scheduling for a Japanese retail chain store. We were able to successfully use the D-Wave 2000Q to optimize shifts during one of the busiest parts of the day in retail — 8am to 2pm — in 130 stores across Japan. Based on these promising initial results, we decided to build a commercial quantum optimization service.
How are you implementing hybrid computing into MAGELLAN BLOCKS? How have customers used it so far?
Saishu: With D-Wave, we developed and integrated a quantum computing feature into MAGELLAN BLOCKS. This quantum service allows our customers to solve problems in scheduling, route planning, and more, by leveraging both quantum computing and our existing AI and data processing services.
So far, we’ve seen use cases in transportation, finance, manufacturing, distribution, and other industries, and continue to work with customers to determine how and where they can utilize the power of quantum computing. Although the service is still young, we’ve already seen advantages including improvements in processing speed and accuracy.
Going deeper, how does the quantum integration actually work?
Saishu: The MAGELLAN BLOCKS quantum computing feature consists of two parts: an Optimization Core that calculates the optimization as an expression of energy, and an Application Core that applies those results to applications.
Within the Optimization Core, there are modules designed for various tasks like shift scheduling, routes, job shops, etc., for which we’ve prepared generalized versions of the most requested limiting constraints.
Our customers can solve their challenges with these features, along with the other AI and data processing services within MAGELLAN BLOCKS.
You’re exploring other practical, real-world quantum applications as well. Groovenauts recently partnered with Mitsubishi Estate to optimize garbage collection routes in Tokyo. Can you tell us more about that partnership and how it works?
Saishu: Mitsubishi Estate is working to expand ESG (environmental, social, governance) investments and SDGs (sustainable development goals) initiatives in Marunouchi, a special urban regeneration area of Tokyo. Mitsubishi Estate is working with Groovenauts to use AI and quantum computing techniques to solve the problem of labor shortages for waste collection staff, while lowering overall CO2 emissions for the city. This project will find optimal routes to efficiently collect waste created at buildings owned by Mitsubishi Estate.
What sort of data and results will Mitsubishi get from this project?
Saishu: The 1,230,000 square meter Marunouchi area contains about 4,300 offices. This proof-of-concept will use AI to predict the amount and weight of waste created in about 30 buildings and estimate precise timing for collection. We’ll then take into account the type and capacity of collection vehicles, labor time for collection, and other limiting constraints for each building and use a quantum computer via the cloud to find the optimal route for collection vehicles.
In the future, where do you see the most potential for hybrid computing to have an impact on business?
Saishu: By combining AI and quantum computing, it’s possible to accurately predict business inefficiencies — like demand for staff, logistics, and more — and optimally deploy resources accordingly.
We’re moving from an era of mass production and mass consumption to an era where we must efficiently meet a variety of new business needs. Business is becoming more complicated, and maximizing efficiency is key to continued growth and innovation.
Why do you think it’s important for businesses to invest in quantum now?
Saishu: We have a bold vision for the future of quantum technology. Groovenauts is looking ahead to meet the needs of the future, so businesses, and even entire cities, can become more efficient.
That’s why we’re investing in quantum, today. We see the future, and it runs on quantum. Getting started today gives us a competitive advantage, and we’re excited to utilize our hybrid service in diverse industries as the technology continues to develop and improve.
To learn more about Groovenauts, visit their website at https://www.groovenauts.jp/en/
For more information on D-Wave and the Leap Quantum Application Environment, please visit: https://www.dwavesys.com/take-leap
D-Wave’s quantum systems are also accessible via Amazon Braket: https://aws.amazon.com/braket/
