NVIDIA and SoftBank Launch World’s First AI and 5G Telecom Network
NVIDIA and SoftBank Corp, the telecommunications arm of SoftBank Group, have successfully piloted the world’s first AI and 5G integrated telecom network. This development was announced on Wednesday, marking a significant leap forward in the convergence of AI and next-generation telecom technology.
The newly developed network leverages an artificial intelligence radio access network (AI-RAN) architecture, enabling it to handle AI and 5G workloads simultaneously. The innovation promises to transform the telecom landscape by enhancing network efficiency and offering new capabilities for advanced applications.
According to the companies, the AI-RAN model can optimize data flow and enable real-time decision-making, which is critical in scenarios requiring ultra-low latency.
Cutting-Edge Applications by NVIDIA and SoftBank: From Autonomous Vehicles to Robotics
The AI-RAN infrastructure is designed to support a wide range of applications. This includes autonomous vehicle remote support and robotics control. By enabling AI to operate in tandem with 5G networks, this system can provide unprecedented levels of connectivity and responsiveness.
For example, autonomous vehicles could benefit from improved remote monitoring and control capabilities, allowing for safer navigation in real time. Similarly, robotics could achieve higher levels of precision in environments where human intervention is either limited or impossible.
The deployment of AI-RAN could pave the way for new advancements in smart cities, industrial automation, and connected healthcare.
SoftBank First to Receive NVIDIA’s Blackwell Chips
As part of this collaboration, NVIDIA’s founder and CEO, Jensen Huang, revealed that SoftBank was the first to receive NVIDIA’s new Blackwell chip designs. These advanced chips are being incorporated into SoftBank’s AI supercomputer, which will be instrumental in the development of its proprietary generative AI model.
Huang highlighted that the Blackwell chips are optimized for high-performance computing and AI workloads. This makes them ideal for SoftBank’s ambitious projects. “The integration of our latest chip technology into SoftBank’s AI infrastructure marks a significant milestone in the evolution of AI-driven telecom networks,” said Huang.
The supercomputer, once fully operational, will serve as a powerful engine for AI model training, enabling SoftBank to build its own large-scale generative AI models. This aligns with SoftBank’s broader strategy of expanding its AI capabilities across various sectors, including telecommunications, mobility, and digital infrastructure.
A Step Toward the Future of Telecoms
This collaboration between NVIDIA and SoftBank underscores the growing importance of integrating AI into telecom networks to drive innovation. By merging AI with 5G capabilities, the two companies are setting a new standard for the telecom industry, paving the way for faster and more efficient networks.
The pilot project not only demonstrates the feasibility of AI-RAN but also sets the stage for broader adoption across the industry. As telecom providers continue to explore AI-driven solutions, the potential for enhanced network performance and the rollout of new services is immense.
