This represents the world's first demonstration of the optimization of the manufacturing process using quantum technology on a large-scale mass production line in a semiconductor manufacturing plant.
In recent years, the use of quantum technology has been explored in various fields, particularly quantum annihilation methods*2, which are being introduced in the area of combinatorial optimization, such as in optimizing delivery routes in the logistics industry. At the same time, in the semiconductor industry, as the manufacturing process becomes more extensive, the possible combinations increase exponentially. Furthermore, the large number of constraints makes obtaining an optimal solution difficult. Therefore, the application of quantum technology was limited to processes at a scale that could be approximated by classical computers.
For example, in the EDS process, the number of combinations involving manufacturing devices, testing equipment, and other variables is so large, even though it's only one part of the complete system. This made it extremely difficult to derive a solution that optimized the manufacturing process. As a result, in the past, it was common to perform operations (process allocation) based on basic calculation rules, using accumulated knowledge and experience.
In this context, in January 2023, ROHM and Quanmatic began exploring an operating system using quantum solutions that address various constraints in the EDS process. In September 2023, the two companies successfully built a prototype by combining Quanmatic's product, which enhances the efficiency of quantum computing based on research conducted at Waseda University and Keio University, with a computational framework. The specialized formulation technology involved leverages both quantum and classical computing techniques, as well as the extensive knowledge, experience, and data accumulated by ROHM to date.
After testing and validating the prototype in ROHM's domestic and international factories, the results showed that key performance indicators, such as utilization and delivery delay rates, could be improved by several percentage points. Furthermore, the algorithm's implementation significantly reduces computation time, enabling timely and optimal operation in response to changes in manufacturing conditions.
In the future, both companies will work to further deepen their collaboration to improve the accuracy of the manufacturing system through a series of trial operations at overseas plants, with the goal of full-scale introduction in April 2024.
Nozomu Togawa, CSO and co-founder of Quanmatic / Professor, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University:
"This result is an example of a highly mathematical optimization calculation method researched at a university being applied in the real world. The goal: to provide semiconductor products through a supply chain that is continuously optimized daily using quantum-related methods, which has great significance as a large-scale practical application of quantum technology. We believe that the accumulation of such achievements will lay the foundation for the realization of the Japanese government's 'Future Vision of a Quantum Society' (a society in which 10 million people will be using quantum technology by 2030)."
Tetsuo Tateishi, Board Member, Senior Corporate Officer and CTO, ROHM Co., Ltd.
"As the role of semiconductors becomes increasingly important in achieving a decarbonized society, ensuring a stable supply has become a societal challenge. Developing an operating system suitable for large-scale mass production lines using quantum technology represents a major breakthrough for the semiconductor manufacturing industry, enabling real-time optimization of production processes. Beyond the current situation, we will accelerate the introduction of quantum technology and related methods across a wide range of processes, aiming to strengthen our stable supply system by establishing a more holistically optimized supply chain."
*1) Electrical Classification of Dies – A process for testing the electrical characteristics of chips formed on wafers, essential for ensuring reliability and improving the performance of semiconductor devices.
*2) Technology proposed by Professor Hidetoshi Nishimori of the Tokyo Institute of Technology that triggered the rise of quantum computing when it was first offered commercially by D-Wave Systems of Canada in 2011. It is considered close to widespread implementation due to its strength in solving combinatorial optimization problems, which narrows the application focus.
