In an unprecedented partnership, SoftBank Group and Nvidia are forging a new path in technology by creating a sophisticated network that blends Artificial Intelligence (AI) with 5G in Japan. This trailblazing effort introduces the world’s first AI and 5G telecom network, aptly named Artificial Intelligence plus Radio Access Network (AI-RAN).
### A New Horizon with AI-RAN
Central to this ambitious initiative is the cutting-edge technology provided by Nvidia. Utilizing advanced tools such as the Blackwell processors along with the Nvidia AI Aerial platform, this integrated system is designed to manage a multitude of tasks. Everything from voice and video to data and generative AI can now operate smoothly on a unified Infrastructure. Nvidia powers this innovative solution with accelerated hardware like the NVIDIA GH200 Grace Hopper Superchip, while employing Nvidia Aerial software to execute 5G radio functions through CUDA, a parallel computing software crucial for GPU-accelerated tasks.
### Unveiling Success in Field Trials
In a promising breakthrough, SoftBank has successfully completed an outdoor field trial in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa, Japan. This trial revealed the practicality and performance of the AI-RAN network, achieving several key accomplishments:
– **Elite virtual RAN performance**: The trial demonstrated that the AI-RAN solution meets the demanding criteria required for carrier-grade networks.
– **Seamless AI and RAN operations**: It efficiently managed multiple AI and RAN tasks simultaneously, optimizing resource use.
– **Enhanced energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness**: The trial showed that this solution offers more energy savings and economic benefits compared to standard practices.
– **Real-world AI deployments**: It featured actual applications of AI running on the AI-RAN network, underscoring its viability in practical scenarios.
### Building Japan’s AI Grid
This project envisions crafting an expansive “AI grid” throughout Japan, leveraging SoftBank’s extensive network comprising 200,000 mobile telecom base stations. Serving an impressive 55 million customers, this infrastructure will be pivotal for AI computing, training, and edge AI inference. Nvidia’s Blackwell processors, part of the NVIDIA DGX B200 systems, will drive this powerhouse, at the core of SoftBank’s new supercomputer – the DGX SuperPOD. Once operational, this supercomputer is set to become Japan’s most formidable, boasting a capacity of 25 AI exaflops, surpassing all current global standards.
### Impact on Economy and Technology
This collaboration promises to significantly influence various fields such as telecommunications, transportation, robotics, and healthcare. By transforming base stations into revenue-generating AI centers, telecom companies can utilize their spare network capacity for AI inference services. This innovation introduces an entirely new revenue frontier, potentially worth billions, for telecom operators worldwide.
### Emerging AI Marketplace
SoftBank is also leveraging Nvidia AI Enterprise software to create an AI marketplace aimed at fulfilling the demand for localized, secure AI computing. This platform will offer localized, low-latency, and secured inferencing services, positioning SoftBank as a frontrunner in the AI distribution network. This venture will unlock fresh opportunities for generating, distributing, and utilizing AI services across different sectors and consumers within Japan.
### Looking Forward
The fusion of AI and 5G is anticipated to catalyze progress in autonomous driving, public services, and numerous other AI-dependent applications. With these strides, Japan is setting itself up as a global pioneer in the AI era, drawing on its solid footing in mechatronics and robotics to incorporate the latest AI advancements. Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang believes this collaboration will fast-track Japan’s transformation into an AI giant on the global stage, propelling innovation and expansion across diverse industries.
In essence, SoftBank and Nvidia’s venture in constructing the world’s first AI grid in Japan signifies a monumental step in combining AI and 5G technologies. This initiative is set to revolutionize the telecommunications landscape, steering Japan toward a prominent position in the world’s AI future.
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