Optimising Lock Management for Water Flow

In general, lock management is a complex and dynamic planning problem due to the many contributing factors and the sheer size of some water systems.

One could consider combining a quantum optimization algorithm (for planning) with a routine that determines the effects of this planning (2-stage optimization). A QAFM approach (quantum-assisted factorization machine could also work here, where the effect of the planning on the complex water management is estimated by a machine learning function.

Locks help maintain the correct water level in canals, rivers, and lakes, which is essential for navigation, agriculture, and urban areas, they can prevent flooding by diverting excess water to other areas or seas, they allow for overcoming height differences in waterways, enabling ships to pass safely and efficiently, and managing water flows also helps protect ecosystems by ensuring sufficient water is available in natural areas.