The race to develop AI-powered 6G technology just took another step forward

Breakthrough testing results: NTT Docomo, alongside partners NTT Corporation, Nokia, and SK Telecom, successfully completed Japan’s first AI-enhanced 6G wireless technology trial in the 4.8GHz band.

• The test demonstrated an 18% improvement in communication speeds compared to conventional methods
• Nokia developed AI-based baseband transmission and reception processing to optimize modulation schemes
• The new AI-driven reception process eliminates the need for traditional known signals between transmitter and receiver

Technical innovations: The integration of AI technology represents a fundamental shift in how wireless systems process and transmit data.

• AI performs channel estimation and signal detection in a single step, increasing transmission efficiency
• The system can adapt modulation and demodulation schemes to various propagation environments
• These improvements are expected to enhance communication quality across diverse wireless transmission scenarios

Strategic vision: NTT Docomo’s ‘6G Harmonized Intelligence’ project positions 6G as a ‘network for AI,’ marking a departure from traditional human-centric network design.

• Unlike 4G and 5G networks primarily designed for smartphone use, 6G aims to enable AI and robotics operations
• The network will support real-time processing of large data volumes with instant feedback capabilities
• NTT Docomo has identified five core values: Sustainability, Efficiency, Customer Experience, Network for AI, and Connectivity Everywhere

Collaborative approach: The development effort brings together diverse expertise to accelerate 6G innovation.

• The project includes collaboration with AI and robotics experts
• Three specialists, including leadership from the University of Tsukuba’s R&D Center for Digital Nature, are working to develop achievable 6G implementation strategies
• NTT Docomo continues to conduct demonstration tests and standardization efforts while advancing both 5G evolution and 6G technology

Future implications: The successful integration of AI into 6G systems could fundamentally reshape the telecommunications landscape.

• The technology’s potential to optimize wireless communications without human intervention suggests a more efficient and adaptable network infrastructure
• However, significant technical challenges remain in scaling these improvements for commercial deployment
• The timeline for widespread 6G implementation will depend on continued successful collaboration between industry leaders and research institutions