Fujitsu and Universities Pioneer Quantum Computing Robot Posture Optimization
Fujitsu and Universities Pioneer Quantum Computing for Robot Posture Optimization
Shibaura Institute of Technology, Waseda University, and Fujitsu Limited have jointly developed a new method for optimizing robot posture using quantum computing. The approach tackles one of robotics’ most complex challenges—efficiently calculating inverse kinematics, the process of determining joint angles from a target position. By representing each robot link’s orientation and position as qubits and leveraging quantum entanglement to model how parent joints influence child joints, the research team significantly reduced the number of calculations compared with conventional classical methods.
Verification on Fujitsu’s quantum simulator demonstrated up to a 43% reduction in errors with fewer calculations. The team also confirmed the effectiveness of the method through trials on the 64-qubit quantum computer co-developed by RIKEN and Fujitsu. This progress is seen as a step toward enabling next-generation robots capable of smoother, more complex movements with real-time control.
Traditionally, calculating inverse kinematics for a multi-joint robot places a heavy computational burden, especially for a full-body model with 17 joints—similar to the human body. Engineers often approximate calculations using only seven joints, which limits the natural smoothness of movement. The new hybrid method, combining quantum circuits for forward kinematics and classical computing for inverse kinematics, overcomes this limitation. Quantum entanglement further improved convergence speed and accuracy, with test runs showing that motion calculations for a full 17-joint model could be completed in about 30 minutes.
Importantly, the method can express the posture of multi-joint robots with relatively few qubits, making it feasible even for current noise intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) computers. Potential applications include humanoid robots, multi-joint manipulators, obstacle avoidance, and energy optimization, with performance expected to advance further through integration with algorithms like the quantum Fourier transform.
The study, titled “Quantum computation for robot posture optimization,” was published in Scientific Reports (Nature Portfolio) by authors Takuya Otani (Shibaura Institute of Technology), Atsuo Takanishi (Waseda University), and Nobuyuki Hara, Yutaka Takita, and Koichi Kimura (Fujitsu).
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About Waseda University
Waseda University was founded in 1882 on the principles of “Independence of Scholarship,” “Practical Application of Scholarship,” and “Fostering of Good Citizens.” A leading private institution, it comprises ten undergraduate faculties along with graduate and professional schools. As Waseda approaches its 150th anniversary in 2032, it is reinforcing its three core pillars: research, education, and social contribution. Guided by the philosophy “Do not think only of your own interest, your family’s interest, or your country’s interest alone, but contribute to humankind,” Waseda aspires to be a university that advances global knowledge and benefits humanity by 2050.
About Fujitsu
Fujitsu is Japan’s leading digital services provider with a mission to create a more sustainable world by building trust through innovation. Headquartered in Tokyo, the company employs about 113,000 people worldwide and offers solutions across five core technology areas: AI, Computing, Networks, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies. For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, Fujitsu reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (approximately US$23 billion) and retained its position as Japan’s top digital services company by market share. Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE: 6702), Fujitsu continues to deliver digital transformation and sustainability solutions globally.
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