Writing in this week’s issue of The House magazine, Eddie Hughes, MP for Walsall North, has identified huge potential in bringing quantum ‘out of the labs and into industry’.
In the article, he reflects on his recent visit to the UK National Quantum Technology Hub for Sensors and Metrology, and describes the value and impact of the quantum sensor research undertaken at the Hub, from his personal perspective:
‘As a civil engineer by trade I understand how much risk – and therefore cost – is still in the ground. How often we hear of costs and timeframes spiralling on important projects because of unforeseen problems.’
The solutions, Eddie states, arise from the quantum sensor research and development. Gravity sensors, for instance, which are being developed with key industry partners such as Dstl and Teledyne e2v, have the ‘potential to transform civil engineering’.
These ‘quantum leaps’ will bring important practical benefits to the UK economy, and in turn, create new jobs and ensure the UK stays in the lead of the quantum technology race. Quantum sensors, once developed, will prove to be the underpinning technology, providing more stability to our critical national services, such as emergency services, healthcare and our telephone communications.
Professor Kai Bongs, Director for the Quantum Technology Hub for Sensors and Metrology, also features in The House magazine, and provides a scientific overview of the Hub’s core research activities, and its main impact areas.
Professor Bongs highlights the day-to-day disruption caused by current technology, further emphasising the need to invest in innovation, particularly in quantum, to ensure our future world is built on reliable, stable and efficient foundations.
‘Data suggests the economic impact of a UK GNSS disruption could be as much as £5.2 billion over a five day period, including on emergency services, road logistics and the maritime industry.’
Disruption is difficult to quantify as it has many different measures depending on the impact: time, money, efficiency, safety. Once quantum sensors are implemented into UK technology, these risks will be much reduced.
Professor Bongs ends his article by discussing the need for a ‘second chapter in quantum research’ to effectively put ‘quantum innovation at the heart of the UK economy and securing our global leadership in 21st century science.’
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