In the new era of technological innovation, quantum computing and photonic chips are emerging as next-generation computing architectures that are gradually transforming traditional computing paradigms. These technologies promise unprecedented computing power and ultra-low latency capabilities, opening new possibilities for intelligent real-time control in industrial automation. Although large-scale quantum computing is still in the experimental stage for industrial applications, its core principles—high concurrency, rapid response, and complex optimization—have already become guiding concepts for advanced industrial control systems.

Conventional PLCs and motion control systems are evolving with higher-performance controllers and open communication architectures, laying the groundwork for future integration with quantum and photonic computing accelerators.

Bridging Classical and Future Computing Architectures

While most current field motion control relies on classical CPU architectures, future trends are moving toward multi-layered, heterogeneous computing:

1. High Concurrency and Low Latency Driving Architecture Upgrades

Industrial automation requires strict real-time performance—from robotic path calculation to multi-axis coordination. While today’s controllers rely on classical processors, their design already emphasizes high performance and modularity, aligning with the quantum and photonic principles of parallelism and rapid complex problem solving. In the future, quantum-assisted predictive models or photonic-accelerated optimization algorithms may serve as real-time decision engines complementing conventional controllers.

Potential integration pathways include:

• Quantum computing for system-level optimization tasks such as production scheduling and path optimization.

• Classical controllers handling deterministic real-time control loops to ensure safe and stable mechanical execution.

• Photonic chip-assisted high-speed communication and edge processing for faster data transfer and response on the factory floor.

This hybrid approach enhances overall system performance and allows intelligent decision-making to be implemented as executable control strategies.

2. Value of Open Communication Protocols and Distributed Architectures

Modern controllers support open protocols such as PROFIBUS, PROFINET, and Industrial Ethernet, laying the foundation for system openness. Future architectures will better integrate with novel computing hardware, enabling real-time feedback of optimization results from quantum or photonic units to the field control layer, achieving software-hardware fusion and intelligent collaboration.

Application Scenario: Enhancing Control in Smart Manufacturing

In modern manufacturing environments, such as precision robotic assembly lines or multi-axis CNC systems, control systems must:

• Precisely compute the motion paths of multiple axes

• Coordinate real-time status of dozens of actuators

• Handle external events, including sensor feedback and production plan adjustments

Future integration with quantum computing for global optimization and photonic chip acceleration for real-time data transmission could improve:

• Predictive maintenance and dynamic scheduling: Quantum simulation predicts potential faults or bottlenecks.

• Real-time path and energy optimization: Quantum algorithms generate optimized paths for execution by controllers.

• Ultra-low latency edge coordination: Photonic chips combined with industrial Ethernet reduce communication latency.

Conclusion: Collaborative Evolution of Classical and Future Computing

Although quantum computing and photonic chips are still maturing, their long-term impact on industrial automation is becoming clear. Modern industrial control systems, with modular, high-performance, and open architecture designs, provide a solid foundation for future integration with advanced computing technologies.

Tomorrow’s industrial control systems will no longer be isolated logic units but part of multi-layered hybrid intelligent computing platforms, where classical controllers collaborate with quantum predictive modules and photonic acceleration networks to build highly efficient, intelligent, and flexible industrial automation ecosystems.