New AI-RAN technology enables concurrent AI and 5G workloads, paving the way for next-gen applications in robotics and autonomous vehicles.
- Breakthrough in Telecom and AI: Nvidia and SoftBank unveil the world’s first AI and 5G-integrated telecom network, known as AI-RAN, capable of handling AI and 5G workloads simultaneously.
- Advanced Applications: The AI-powered network is set to revolutionize fields such as autonomous vehicle support and robotics control by enabling real-time data processing.
- Cutting-Edge Hardware: SoftBank is the first to deploy Nvidia’s new Blackwell chips, forming the core of its AI supercomputer designed for generative AI model development.
In a landmark development, Nvidia and SoftBank Corp. have launched the world’s first integrated AI and 5G telecom network, marking a new era in telecommunications. This AI-enabled radio access network, known as AI-RAN, allows AI and 5G tasks to be processed concurrently, setting a new industry standard. The partnership between Nvidia, a leader in AI hardware, and SoftBank, the telecom arm of the Japanese conglomerate, promises revolutionary applications in fields such as autonomous vehicles and robotics, potentially reshaping the telecom industry’s approach to AI-driven networks.
AI-RAN: Combining AI and 5G for Real-Time Applications
AI-RAN represents a significant leap forward in telecom infrastructure by supporting real-time AI processing alongside 5G network functions. With this technology, SoftBank can efficiently run AI workloads on the same network that manages its high-speed 5G services. Applications of AI-RAN include remote support for autonomous vehicles and robotics control, where quick decision-making is crucial. By enabling AI to operate directly on the 5G network, AI-RAN enhances data processing speeds, making it ideal for latency-sensitive tasks that rely on instant connectivity.
SoftBank’s Integration of Nvidia’s Blackwell Chips
SoftBank’s implementation of AI-RAN is powered by Nvidia’s new Blackwell chips, the first of their kind to be deployed commercially. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang revealed that these chips are integral to the AI supercomputer SoftBank is developing for its proprietary generative AI model. By combining AI and 5G capabilities within a single network, SoftBank is building a robust infrastructure that not only supports next-gen telecom services but also fosters advanced AI research and deployment.
Pioneering Change in the Telecom Industry
The Nvidia-SoftBank collaboration sets a new precedent in the telecom sector, with SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son predicting that “every other telco will have to follow this new wave.” As 5G networks evolve, integrating AI will likely become essential for delivering the fast, adaptive services that modern applications demand. AI-RAN’s ability to support concurrent AI and telecom workloads is expected to prompt other telecom giants to explore similar integrations, leading to widespread adoption of AI-powered networks in the industry.
Transformative Potential for Autonomous Systems
AI-RAN’s deployment holds transformative potential for autonomous systems, such as self-driving cars and industrial robots. By integrating AI directly into the telecom network, AI-RAN enables real-time data processing at the edge, which is critical for applications requiring low latency and high reliability. This capability will allow autonomous vehicles to communicate and make decisions more rapidly, enhancing safety and efficiency. For robotics, AI-RAN will support seamless remote control and monitoring, further advancing fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics.
Nvidia and SoftBank’s AI-RAN is a groundbreaking development in telecom, offering a powerful model for integrating AI into 5G networks. By pioneering this fusion, the companies have opened up a new world of applications that depend on high-speed, intelligent connectivity. As other telecom providers follow suit, AI-RAN technology could become a foundational element of future networks, empowering innovative applications in autonomous systems, smart cities, and beyond.