RIYADH: Quantum-powered sensors and systems are set to overtake artificial intelligence and play a significant role in the aerospace sector, according to the chairman and CEO of Thales Group. In an interview with Arab News during the eighth edition of the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, Patrice Caine – who also serves as chairman of the global aerospace systems company – highlighted that the quantum revolution is in close reach. He emphasized that the “second quantum revolution” will likely grow in prominence over the coming years, eventually matching or surpassing artificial intelligence’s influence. “It’s already in play. People talk more and more about it,” he said. “But it’s not, we say, as famous as AI, but it will become, certainly in the future.” He clarified that Thales is focusing on quantum sensors and communication rather than the more widely recognized field of quantum computing. Caine underlined that these areas have the potential to deliver significant advancements, particularly in enhancing the efficiency of sensors and decision-making systems within aerospace. Thales aims to leverage these quantum advancements to develop next-generation solutions, redefining operational capabilities in aerospace security and beyond. Caine added that this type of technology will likely be applied on an industrial scale in the next decade. “We are not far from it. In fact, we have already proof of concept. We can already see these types of applications in our labs. Now, the journey is to industrialize these early prototypes,” he added, emphasizing the importance of finding market demand along with creating the technology. Caine emphasized that, unlike incremental improvements, quantum technology could drastically increase system efficiency. “It’s, I would say, another way to apply quantum properties to sensors to enhance the efficiency of these sensors by 100 times more, which is huge. It’s revolutionary,” he said. Caine said that AI is “the technology of the moment,” and the company currently has almost 600 experts working on algorithms, processes, tools, and methodologies related to the technology. He further emphasized that the company utilizes symbolic AI, also known as model-based AI, for its clients, unlike the data-based technology used by the majority of the public. He further explained the implications of the technology on an industrial scale, saying: “In the short term, it (AI) will make our solutions, products, systems more and more premium.” Caine added: “So, potentially there is an advantage and an economic or financial advantage to bring products powered by AI. That’s clearly the first consequence.” The CEO believes that getting to grips with AI will become essential for competitiveness. “Longer term, it may become a must, either you master AI or not. And if you are not mastering it, you will progressively lose ground versus competition,” he said. Thales Group is a global technology leader specializing in advanced solutions for aerospace, defense, security, and digital identity. The company designs and manufactures systems for critical sectors, including air traffic management, avionics, cybersecurity, and AI.