Solving the Vehicle Routing Problem Using Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm
Introduction Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) are becoming increasingly vital components of Industry 4.0 and 5.0, particularly in logistics and supply-chain management. One of the key challenges in this field is the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP), which involves optimizing the routes for a fleet of vehicles delivering goods to various locations. This problem, known for its complexity and significance, has recently seen innovative solutions through the application of quantum computing. What is the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP)? The VRP is a combinatorial optimization problem that requires determining the most efficient routes for multiple vehicles to service a set of locations. The goal is to minimize factors such as total distance traveled, delivery time, and overall cost, while adhering to constraints like vehicle capacity and delivery windows. Traditional methods for solving VRP rely on classical algorithms, which can become computationally expensive as the number of loca...