Model-driven development of heterogeneous quantum models for multi-vehicle route planning

Abstract

Quantum computing has the potential to significantly improve large-scale optimization, particularly in logistics.However, practical adoption remains limited due to fragmented hardware ecosystems and the complexity of quantum programming.We present MDE4QC, a model-driven engineering framework that introduces a Platform-Independent Model (PIM) for defining routing problems at a high level of abstraction.The framework automatically transforms these models into executable code for quantum annealers, gate-based quantum systems, and classical solvers.MDE4QC is integrated with cloud platforms such as D-Wave and IBM Qiskit and supports hybrid execution flows.An intuitive graphical interface enables users to define routing problems without writing quantum or classical code.Users simply select the target platform and configure problem parameters through a user-friendly interface; the framework handles model generation, transformation, and execution.We validate MDE4QC using open-access real logistic data from the City of Antwerp to demonstrate its ability to reduce development effort, ensure cross-platform portability, and deliver measurable gains in routing efficiency.