NTT Corporation (NTT) hosted its annual R&D Forum in Tokyo, Japan, from November 25–29, 2024, unveiling advancements in photonic networking, AI applications, and personalized audio. During the keynote, NTT President and CEO Akira Shimada emphasized the role of the Industry AI Cloud, powered by the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN), in addressing complex industry challenges. Collaborations like the Mobility AI Platform with Toyota aim to use AI-driven solutions to enhance traffic safety and industry efficiency.
The event showcased five world-first technological demonstrations, highlighting how IOWN’s high-capacity, low-latency infrastructure can transform industries. These innovations ranged from international photonic network connections to groundbreaking advances in remote medical diagnostics and media production.
NTT invests $3.6 billion annually in research and development to drive technological innovation and societal problem-solving. Shimada remarked, “By accumulating data across industries on a shared platform, the Industry AI Cloud allows organizations to collaboratively solve pressing societal issues while driving innovation.”
Key Points
• All-Photonics Network (APN) International Connection: Demonstrated with Chunghwa Telecom, connecting Taipei and Tokyo for a virtual reality proof-of-concept with ultra-low latency.
• Cloud Endoscopy: Jointly developed with Olympus Corporation, enabling real-time remote diagnostics by offloading high-processing tasks to the cloud.
• Optical Fiber Innovation: A four-core multi-core fiber system quadruples transmission capacity, critical for inter-data center and submarine communications.
• Personalized Sound Zones: Open-ear headphones with broadband noise-canceling technology create private audio experiences without isolating users.
• Remote Video Production: Fully remote live production using IOWN APN reduces reliance on on-site crews and broadcasting vehicles, streamlining event coverage.
Quote
“AI has already been widely adopted to streamline general operations, but applying AI to more specialized tasks can significantly enhance added value,” said Akira Shimada, President and CEO of NTT.
