From Nvidia: 2024-11-12 20:59:00

SoftBank is partnering with NVIDIA to develop Japan’s most powerful AI supercomputer, using the Blackwell platform and planning to incorporate the Grace Blackwell platform. They have also successfully piloted the world’s first AI and 5G telecom network, creating new revenue opportunities for telecom operators worldwide. SoftBank aims to create an AI marketplace using NVIDIA AI Enterprise software to meet Japan’s demand for secure AI compute.

SoftBank will be the first to receive the NVIDIA DGX B200 systems, the foundation for their new NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD supercomputer. This supercomputer will be used for generative AI development and business applications in Japan. SoftBank also plans to build another supercomputer with NVIDIA Grace Blackwell platform, ideal for large language models.

SoftBank and NVIDIA have achieved a technology milestone in developing an AI-RAN network, combining AI and 5G workloads. The new infrastructure allows telcos to monetize excess network capacity for AI inference services, potentially earning $5 for every $1 invested in new AI-RAN infrastructure. SoftBank estimates a return of up to 219% for every AI-RAN server added to their infrastructure.

SoftBank conducted an outdoor trial in Kanagawa prefecture to demonstrate the effectiveness of their AI-RAN solution in achieving carrier-grade 5G performance. By optimizing their 5G radio stack for NVIDIA’s AI computing platform, SoftBank can run various AI inference applications, such as autonomous vehicle remote support and robotics control, on their AI-RAN network.



Read more at Nvidia: NVIDIA and SoftBank Corp. Accelerate Japan’s Journey to Global AI Powerhouse