What’s next for quantum computing? Baker Hughes would have you believe it might be drilling for oil and natural gas. In an application published in late January, Baker Hughes claims a method for drilling a wellbore using a quantum computer to calculate the positioning of a drill in order to optimize the drilling process. This is the latest in the potential uses of quantum computers, as they have formerly been used for COVID-19 response efforts and traffic optimization programs. Critically, those aforementioned efforts saw companies utilize D-Wave’s quantum computers as a service in order to tackle their own problems.
Baker Hughes’ application is unlikely to signal a break from the model of quantum computing as a service. Notably, the application provides very few details regarding the actual quantum computer used to calculate the drill positioning, including no mention of the type of qubits or other hardware used to perform the calculations. This signals that Baker Hughes is also planning on leveraging the technology of quantum computing leaders in order to implement its described method. Therefore, going forward, it will be critical to look at what quantum computing companies Baker Hughes has an existing relationship with to examine if Baker Hughes might utilize those relationships to advance its well-drilling operations. Understanding such relationships not only helps one to see what companies may see future business opportunities, but also how those companies might alter their research and development to meet the needs of the new project. Before 2019, Baker Hughes was under the control of majority shareholder General Electric. General Electric itself has made no appearance on the Quantum Computing Patent Forecast (though they have shown an interest in quantum computing in the past) and it is not guaranteed that whoever Baker Hughes chooses to partner with will be an associate of General Electric.
For more news of applications of quantum computing to various sectors, subscribe to the Quantum Computing Patent Forecast®!
