Quantum robotics: a review of emerging trends

Quantum computation and artificial intelligence are separately considered transformative technologies that are shaping our present and future. The prospect of combining the two paradigms portends astounding computing power and human-level intelligence for resulting technologies. One area that seems ripe to reap from this amalgamation is the field of robotics. This could potentially lead to the realization of advanced robots that are controlled using quantum computing resources. Whereas the idea of quantum robots is not new, the advances it has recorded have not been commensurate with the inroads in the two fields separately. Many hold the view that quantum algorithms and notably quantum machine learning will play leading roles in shaping future robotics and automation of integrated systems. Consequently, it is widely anticipated that quantum algorithms, quantum sensors, and quantum controls will be at the fulcrum of next-generation robotics. This study is primarily aimed as an exposition on the advances in the nascent research field of quantum robotics. By summarizing their architectures as well as discussions on their perception and interactions, it is hoped that our effort will stimulate interest leading to innovative ideas to complement current designs and frameworks geared towards realizing the astounding promises of quantum robotics.