This is article was written for E+T Magazine by Matt Himsworth, chief scientific officer at Aquark Technologies.

In engineering, we’re always searching for more precise tools, more accurate measurements, and more innovative approaches to solving complex problems.

The good news is that quantum technologies are emerging as powerful additions to our toolkit. Quantum is not merely a series of distant theoretical concepts; it’s providing us with practical applications ready for implementation across a range of engineering disciplines right now.

Although quantum computing captures most of the headlines, the immediate use cases for quantum technologies in engineering lie elsewhere. Unlike in quantum computing, where valuable applications are still a few years away, quantum sensing and quantum communications are already delivering practical capabilities that address longstanding challenges in precision, reliability, and measurement. These sectors alone are projected to reach a market value of $25-30 billion by 2030.

While offering many benefits, moving quantum technologies from controlled laboratory environments to real-world applications presents some significant engineering challenges. However, these challenges can be overcome with focused development efforts and cross-disciplinary collaboration. If approached correctly, engineers can succeed with quantum technologies, using their transformative capabilities to level up everything from navigation to manufacturing efficiency, safety, and security. 

Let’s explore some of those advantages.

Unparalleled Precision

Despite the seemingly ‘extra’ ordinary properties, there’s actually nothing magical about quantum technology. While the ‘why’ behind the theory of quantum mechanics has yet to be fully explained, the ‘how’ is very well understood - arguably, quantum mechanics is the most reliable and accurate theory in physics. It provides us with a mathematical framework to describe and predict the behaviour of particles.

This makes it excellent for precision. Most traditional technologies typically measure the bulk response of materials to stimuli - for example, silicon photodetectors generating electricity when exposed to light, or mercury expanding in a thermometer. While effective, these approaches are inherently limited by material purity and manufacturing variations.

In contrast, quantum technologies interact with individual particles (atoms, ions, or solid-state defects), the properties of which are defined by fundamental constants. This means their response to stimuli is both highly predictable and identical from device to device, allowing measurements to approach physical limits.

For example, quantum-enabled navigation systems rely on ultra-precise quantum sensors, rather than GPS signals, creating obvious advantages for Aerospace or Guidance, Navigation, and Control engineers. Quantum accelerometers can track an aircraft or vehicle’s position with unprecedented accuracy, even when satellite connections fail, improving safety in remote regions. 

This precision is also why metrology institutions worldwide are increasingly relying on quantum technologies to define measurement units. The second (and by extension, the meter) is defined by energy transitions in cesium atoms. Remarkably, state-of-the-art atomic clocks now achieve precision 1,000 times greater than our current definition of the second.

Fundamental Accuracy

Precision tells us how consistently we can repeat a measurement, but accuracy reveals how close those measurements are to the true value. Because quantum properties often define the very standards against which we measure, they also offer unprecedented accuracy.

Obvious use cases for highly accurate measurement arise in mechanical engineering, where manufacturing highly precise components for things like aircraft engines or medical devices is critical. Even the slightest deviation in dimensions or tolerances can lead to performance issues or safety risks, making ultra-accurate measurements essential in both design and quality control.

The fundamental, unchanging properties of quantum particles mean these systems don’t require extensive calibration and perform identically regardless of location, time, or operator. There’s no drift or wear and tear. Any variations due to system components are consistent and predictable across all devices. This inherent stability makes quantum-based measurement tools ideal for establishing universal standards that can be reliably replicated anywhere in the world.

Quantum Coherence

Coherence, which is the predictability of a periodic function from one point in time or space to another, allows us to connect and forecast properties between objects, locations, and time points. 

A special aspect of quantum mechanics is that it uniquely treats objects as having both particle-like and wave-like properties, mathematically describing properties (position, angular momentum, energy, mass) as statistical “probability waves.” This approach introduces uncertainty in individual measurements, similar to flipping a coin, but makes outcomes of numerous measurements highly predictable. 

When deploying quantum technologies, we leverage millions of repeated measurements to achieve remarkable accuracy and precision. Following the mathematical logic of this approach leads to the extraordinary phenomena of superposition and entanglement.

Optical engineers are already familiar with classical coherence in technologies like lasers. Quantum coherence extends this concept, enabling revolutionary capabilities such as quantum communication networks that support fundamentally secure encryption based on the laws of physics, not computational complexity.

Beyond Quantum Computing

While quantum computing dominates current discussions by leveraging all these aspects, many practical applications in timing, magnetometry, electrometry, gravimetry, and inertial sensing are already available. These technologies will likely impact engineering more significantly in the near to medium term, provided we can successfully transition them from the shackles of laboratory environments. 

The companies and engineers who recognise quantum technologies for their ability to be used as practical tools, rather than simply theoretical curiosities, will gain significant advantages. Quantum approaches won’t replace all traditional methods, but they provide new options for applications that unlock previously impossible capabilities.

The quantum revolution isn’t coming - for engineers willing to embrace these new approaches, it’s already here.