Samsung and KDDI Research Join Forces to Transform Wireless Telecommunications with AI
Samsung Electronics and KDDI Research, the research and development arm of Japanese telecommunications provider KDDI, have formed a partnership to explore the application of artificial intelligence in next-generation mobile networks, specifically 6G. The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to formalize their joint research efforts.
With the standardization of 6G gaining momentum, AI is rapidly expanding across industries. This collaboration aims to significantly improve network performance by integrating AI into multiple-input multiple-output) (MIMO) technologies.
MIMO systems are designed to increase data transmission speeds and expand coverage by utilizing multiple antennas to transmit and receive signals. The partnership will focus on distributed MIMO (D-MIMO) systems, which use several cells to offer advantages in coverage boundary areas and improve the network overall, compared to single-cell MIMO systems.
Through this research, Samsung and KDDI will develop AI-driven solutions to optimize the design and operation of D-MIMO systems. The goal is to achieve higher transmission speeds for users as well as increased network capacity.
“The joint research with KDDI Research will play an integral role in innovating wireless telecommunications through the convergence of telecommunications and AI technologies,” said Paul (Kyungwhoon) Cheun, CTO of Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics and Head of Samsung Research.
“We will lead the next-generation communication research that brings improvements to user experience.”
Hajime Nakamura, President and CEO of KDDI Research, expressed similar optimism:
“I anticipate that our research collaboration will highlight the critical role of AI and D-MIMO in developing a user-centric network that delivers exceptional wireless quality across the target area, ultimately creating new value in 6G.”
Samsung’s efforts to integrate AI into communication technologies are also supported by alliances like the AI-RAN Alliance and the Next G Alliance (NGA). In November 2024, Samsung held the Silicon Valley Future Wireless Summit to encourage industry collaboration. Furthermore, the company released a 6G white paper outlining its vision for AI-native and sustainable communication technologies.
This partnership underscores the importance of AI in the future of wireless communication, promising advancements in network efficiency and user experience as 6G technology is developed.
