<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><ns2:project xmlns:ns1="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api" xmlns:ns2="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project" xmlns:ns3="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/fund" xmlns:ns4="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/person" xmlns:ns5="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project/outcome" xmlns:ns6="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/organisation" ns1:created="2026-06-03T15:52:43Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/projects/3EEDAB8E-DA17-4285-AEAC-E647EE33D634" ns1:id="3EEDAB8E-DA17-4285-AEAC-E647EE33D634"><ns1:links><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/persons/9A9D832C-55FD-47A9-A019-7B4F85838A6C" ns1:rel="PM_PER"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/31DB9262-A250-45DC-B951-7CDA9A75B358" ns1:rel="LEAD_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/31DB9262-A250-45DC-B951-7CDA9A75B358" ns1:rel="PARTICIPANT_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:end="2026-03-30T23:00:00Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/funds/ADB5368C-F606-416C-A144-1E8A61B7ED7E" ns1:rel="FUND" ns1:start="2026-01-01T00:00:00Z"/></ns1:links><ns2:identifiers><ns2:identifier ns2:type="RCUK">10179826</ns2:identifier></ns2:identifiers><ns2:title>QuantoLiSense: Quantum LiDAR Sensing for Intelligent Non-Destructive Evaluation of Transport Infrastructure</ns2:title><ns2:status>Closed</ns2:status><ns2:grantCategory>Collaborative R&amp;D</ns2:grantCategory><ns2:leadFunder>Innovate UK</ns2:leadFunder><ns2:abstractText>**QuantoLiSense Transport** is a feasibility study led by **Quantonova Ltd** to explore the potential of a **quantum-enhanced LiDAR imaging system** for inspecting and maintaining the UK's transport infrastructure. The project aims to develop a safe, non-invasive method to detect faults and wear in critical assets such as **bridges, tunnels, and rail networks**, helping transport operators identify issues earlier, more accurately, and more reliably.

The system combines **advanced quantum sensing technologies** with **AI-powered data analysis** to produce highly detailed images, even in challenging conditions like fog, dust, or surface coatings. By using fewer photons than conventional LiDAR systems, it reduces energy requirements while maintaining precision. This approach enables detection of **micro-cracks, corrosion, delamination, and other structural defects** that traditional inspection methods might miss, helping prevent costly repairs, unplanned service interruptions, and potential safety hazards.

During Phase 1, the project will focus on creating a **technical use case** and an **outline business case** for integrating quantum LiDAR into transport monitoring workflows. This includes assessing the technology's performance, defining operational requirements, and exploring potential benefits for safety, cost efficiency, and environmental impact. The study will also examine how quantum LiDAR can support **predictive maintenance**, enabling operators to plan repairs more effectively, reduce downtime, extend asset lifespan, and enhance the overall resilience of transport networks.

**QuantoLiSense Transport** aligns with national priorities to advance **quantum technologies** in the UK and demonstrates how second-generation quantum sensing can be applied in real-world transport settings. By combining **quantum photonics**, **signal processing**, and **intelligent analytics**, the project provides a scalable, non-destructive inspection solution that supports informed decision-making, minimises disruption, and strengthens asset management practices.

By improving infrastructure reliability and safety, it can enhance passenger confidence, reduce the environmental impact of repeated maintenance, and help transport operators meet **Net Zero objectives** through smarter, more efficient scheduling of inspections and repairs. Additionally, it has the potential to influence wider industry practices, inspiring innovation across multiple transport sectors.

Ultimately, this project lays the foundation for the development of a **prototype system** that could be deployed widely across the UK's transport network. **QuantoLiSense** has the potential to transform how operators maintain infrastructure, shift from reactive to **predictive maintenance strategies**, and ensure that critical assets remain safe, reliable, and resilient. By integrating **cutting-edge quantum sensing** with practical applications, the project supports a more **efficient, sustainable, and future-ready transport sector**, reinforcing the UK's leadership in the emerging global market for **quantum-enabled infrastructure monitoring**.</ns2:abstractText></ns2:project>