Tokyo and Kawasaki, Japan, November 13, 2024 – (JCN Newswire) – – SoftBank (TYO:) Corp. (1) (“SoftBank”) and Fujitsu Limited (2) (“Fujitsu”) signed a memorandum of understanding in October December 25, 2024, to strengthen their partnership to carry out the commercialization of “AI-RAN” (3), a new architecture that integrates AI and RAN (Radio Access Network), planned for 2026 and beyond. Under this agreement, the two companies will begin joint research and development of software to maximize RAN performance and improve communication quality through AI in the “AI-RAN” and will also establish a verification at Fujitsu facilities in Dallas. Texas, United States.
SoftBank and Fujitsu (“the companies”) are already collaborating on an outdoor proof of concept for AI-RAN conducted by SoftBank that began in October 2024. Fujitsu provides vRAN (virtual radio access network) software and radio units (UK). for this proof of concept, which supports Layer 1 software developed based on the “NVIDIA (NASDAQ:) AI Air Platform” running on the NVIDIA GH200 Grace Hopper superchip, and the companies have confirmed its ability to handle simultaneous applications of high quality. communication for up to 20 cells per server.
To accelerate the realization of commercialization of AI-RAN, the companies will jointly initiate the following initiatives:
1. Establish a verification laboratory to accelerate the commercialization of AI-RAN
A verification laboratory will be jointly established in Dallas, Texas, USA, where Fujitsu is located. The lab will serve as a site to validate hardware, software and applications that constitute AI-RAN, as well as a place for new business creation. With this laboratory, companies will not only perform technical verification but also promote the understanding and ecosystem of AI-RAN, with the aim of advancing the practical application of AI-RAN in the global market.
2. vRAN research and development Software (ETR:) to promote “AI for RAN” (4)
Joint research and development will be conducted to develop software that leverages AI to maximize RAN performance. Using the insights gained from the outdoor proof of concept, efforts will focus on applying AI to improve communications performance in real-world environments, to advance the commercialization of AI-RAN.
Companies not only aim to significantly improve the efficiency of mobile infrastructure investment by improving and perfecting RAN features and performance through AI, but also drive new services and generate various innovations in society and industry by improving the quality of communication for users even in times of mobility and congestion and allow real-time responses and analysis.
Comments from key executives Hideyuki Tsukuda, executive vice president and chief technology officer of SoftBank Corp.:
“We are excited to take a step forward toward commercializing AI-RAN through this strengthened partnership. We anticipate further advancements in RAN efficiency and sophistication through AI, which will accelerate the practical application of AI-RAN.”
Shingo Mizuno, corporate executive vice president and vice president of systems platform (in charge of network business), Fujitsu Limited comments:
“Fujitsu has been involved in the development of high-performance vRAN software using GPUs for several years. By strengthening our partnership with SoftBank, Fujitsu aims to accelerate the creation of new businesses by combining the technologies and know-how of both companies at a at the same time. higher level and provide greater value to customers and society.
(1) SoftBank Corp.: headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Junichi Miyakawa
(2) Fujitsu Limited: headquartered in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture; Representative Director and President: Takahito Tokita
(3) AI-RAN: a technology to achieve next-generation mobile networks by merging AI and RAN.
(4) AI for RAN: A concept promoted by SoftBank to maximize RAN performance by applying AI/ML in AI-RAN.
SoftBank, the SoftBank name and logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of SoftBank Group Corp. in Japan and other countries.
Other company, product and service names appearing in this press release are registered trademarks or trademarks of the respective companies.
About Fujitsu
Fujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers in more than 100 countries, our 124,000 employees work to solve some of the biggest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions is based on five key technologies: computing, networking, artificial intelligence, data and security and convergent technologies, which we bring together to achieve sustainable transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenue of 3.7 trillion yen (US$26 billion) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by share of market. More information: www.fujitsu.com.
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