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NVIDIA and SoftBank Collaborate to Revolutionize AI and 5G Infrastructure in Japan

NVIDIA and SoftBank Collaborate to Revolutionize AI and 5G Infrastructure in Japan

Written on . Posted in AI and Technology.

In a groundbreaking announcement at the NVIDIA AI Summit Japan, NVIDIA and SoftBank unveiled a series of collaborations designed to propel Japan’s AI development and establish the nation as a global leader in technology innovation. The partnership aims to transform telecommunications, transportation, robotics, and healthcare through AI-driven advancements, while unlocking billions of dollars in revenue opportunities for telecommunications providers worldwide.

Building Japan's Most Powerful AI Supercomputer

At the heart of the collaboration is the creation of Japan's most powerful AI supercomputer. Built on NVIDIA’s Blackwell platform and set to include the NVIDIA Grace Blackwell platform in its next iteration, this supercomputer will serve as a foundation for Japan's AI growth.

  • Technology: Powered by NVIDIA DGX™ B200 systems and Quantum-2 InfiniBand networking.
  • Applications: Supports generative AI development, training large language models, and edge AI inference.
  • Users: Universities, research institutions, and enterprises across Japan will leverage this infrastructure for advanced research and innovation.

“This AI supercomputer will not only enhance AI research in Japan but also act as a key driver for industrial growth,” said NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang.

AI and 5G Converge: The AI-RAN Revolution

NVIDIA and SoftBank achieved a technological milestone by piloting the world’s first AI-integrated 5G network, known as AI-RAN (Artificial Intelligence Radio Access Network). This innovation redefines how telecom networks operate, transforming them from cost centers into revenue-generating assets.

Key Features of AI-RAN:

  • Dual Workloads: Runs 5G and AI inference tasks concurrently.
  • Efficiency: Uses network capacity traditionally left idle during non-peak times.
  • Economic Impact: Telco operators can earn approximately $5 in AI revenue for every $1 spent on AI-RAN infrastructure.

In a trial conducted in Kanagawa prefecture, SoftBank’s AI-RAN solution demonstrated carrier-grade 5G performance while running AI inference workloads like robotics control and autonomous vehicle remote support. It achieved this with a 40% reduction in power consumption compared to traditional networks.

“With AI-RAN, we’ve shown that telecommunications networks can do much more than transmit data—they can become engines for AI innovation and economic growth,” said Junichi Miyakawa, CEO of SoftBank.

Creating an AI Marketplace for Japan

SoftBank, with the support of NVIDIA AI Enterprise software, plans to establish an AI marketplace that provides secure, localized AI services. This marketplace will facilitate AI training and edge AI inference, enabling businesses and consumers across industries to access state-of-the-art AI capabilities.

  • Goal: Position SoftBank as the central hub for AI computing in Japan.
  • Applications: AI solutions in telecommunications, robotics, healthcare, and transportation.

“This marketplace will empower enterprises and developers to harness AI efficiently, fostering an ecosystem of growth and innovation,” Miyakawa added.

Economic and Societal Benefits

The NVIDIA-SoftBank collaboration highlights significant economic and technological benefits:

  • Increased Revenue: Telco operators can achieve up to 5x revenue on capex investments in AI-RAN infrastructure.
  • Energy Efficiency: AI-RAN systems consume significantly less power, contributing to sustainability goals.
  • Global Leadership: By embracing cutting-edge AI technology, Japan is positioned as a leader in the global AI industrial revolution.

“This partnership is a leap forward in AI and telecom innovation, bringing transformative benefits to industries and society,” Huang remarked.

The Future of AI-Driven Telecommunications

With the introduction of AITRAS, SoftBank’s orchestration platform for AI-RAN, the collaboration underscores the potential for telecommunications networks to evolve into multi-purpose AI platforms. AITRAS integrates AI and 5G workloads seamlessly, allowing real-time AI applications to run with low latency and high efficiency.

As NVIDIA and SoftBank continue their partnership, the innovations revealed at the summit mark the beginning of a new era in AI and telecommunications. By blending cutting-edge technologies with visionary strategies, this collaboration not only advances Japan’s AI initiatives but also sets a global benchmark for innovation.

Conclusion

The NVIDIA-SoftBank partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration in driving technological progress. By combining NVIDIA’s AI expertise with SoftBank’s telecom leadership, Japan is poised to lead the AI revolution, transforming industries and improving lives. The fusion of AI and 5G networks will redefine the future, delivering unprecedented opportunities for innovation, economic growth, and societal impact.