Telefónica and Würth España, the Spanish subsidiary of the Würth Group, a world leader in the distribution of fastening and assembly materials, have developed a pioneering innovation project at Würth’s logistics center in Agoncillo (La Rioja) that uses quantum computing and advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to optimize logistics packaging.
This innovation initiative was developed in collaboration with TECNALIA, Spain’s largest applied research and technology development center, and QCentroid, a leading start-up in enterprise quantum computing implementation through its QuantumOps platform, and represents one of the first industrial quantum computing use cases developed at Telefonica’s Javier Echenique Quantum Technologies Talent and Technology Center in Bilbao. The center is a strategic innovation hub that positions Spain at the forefront of applied quantum technology in Europe.
The project leverages the latest capabilities in quantum computing and artificial intelligence to optimize the way products are packed into shipping boxes, reducing both the number and size of packages required per order. This reduces Würth’s logistics costs per order and at the same time reduces so-called “road traffic”.
Specifically, the pilot improved packaging efficiency by 14% of the more than 6,000 orders processed. This optimization reduced the number of boxes used by 3%, reduced trucking volume by approximately 7%, and reduced cardboard consumption by more than 6%.
These results demonstrate the potential benefits that quantum computing brings to logistics operations when combined with classical computing, making it possible to implement hybrid solutions like the one developed in this project with practical industrial applications available today.
Quantum Computing Benchmarks for Leadership in Services and Innovation Pilots
With this project, Telefónica strengthens its position as one of the leading promoters of applied quantum computing, building on its pioneering achievements in innovation and communications security.
Telefonica became the first operator to launch quantum-secure communications services, including secure interconnections between data centres, and the first operator in Europe to deploy an experimental metropolitan network of quantum key distribution (QKD) technology on a commercial network.
These services complement innovation pilots such as the one developed with Vithas that enabled secure communication between two healthcare facilities in Madrid by protecting information through encryption based on quantum key distribution (QKD) systems.
Additionally, Telefonica is currently deploying a pilot project for the Spanish National Police to secure communications between the El Escorial and Canillas facilities through a combination of QKD technology and post-quantum cryptography (PQC).
Additionally, in January 2026, Telefonica opened the Javier Echenic Quantum Technology Talent and Technology Center in Bilbao. The center is Europe’s leading quantum technology center and is already developing use cases in strategic sectors such as industry, energy, telecommunications, cybersecurity, logistics, banking, pharmaceuticals and public administration.
The center will help improve efficiency, security and innovation capabilities across both businesses and organizations.
Leonor Ostos, Director of Product and Service Development, Telefonica España
This innovation project demonstrates that by combining quantum computing with artificial intelligence, we can access the most innovative technologies and generate more and better services for our customers, supported by the best network to address specific customer needs. As a telecommunications carrier, we continue to strive to be the gateway of choice for citizens, businesses and governments to access digital technology.
Begoña López, Chief Operating Officer, Würth España, SA
At Würth España, we believe that innovation is a real driver for improving the way we work and continuously increasing efficiency, sustainability and competitiveness. By participating in this pioneering project, we were able to explore the potential of emerging technologies such as quantum computing to address future logistics challenges from a very practical and operationally focused perspective. Providing our expertise and real data represents a valuable opportunity to help drive solutions with concrete applications in demanding industrial environments.
