Ericsson targets autonomous networks with hosted inference for distributed AI as telecom operators adapt infrastructure to support physical robotics, drones, and real-time wearables.
At an executive briefing for industry analysts, the Swedish vendor presented its architectural strategy for mobile systems acting as intelligent computing platforms rather than passive transmission pipes. Partners including Rogers, Google Cloud, and Amazon Web Services joined company leaders to demonstrate how telecom infrastructure runs operational workloads directly across distributed nodes.
Erik Ekudden, CTO at Ericsson, said: “AI is moving beyond data centers into real-time applications such as AI/AR wearables, robots, and drones. 5G is already enabling new use cases, while an intelligent fabric will make networks smarter and provide the advanced connectivity with hosted inference that distributed AI requires – tailored performance for each agentic flow.”
Ericsson Intelligent Core automates network execution
To manage autonomous workloads, operators deploy the ‘Ericsson Intelligent Core’ software suite. The architecture introduces automated control loops for differentiated connectivity, fixed wireless access, and 5G Advanced location services. Network systems process telemetry locally rather than routing all operational requests back to centralised cloud clusters.
Engineers demonstrated this approach alongside Google Cloud. The joint deployment pairs a software-as-a-service core with regional breakout capabilities for mobile broadband, simplifying the procurement and rollout of transport infrastructure. Maritime transport routes currently use this framework to maintain voice and data links across remote shipping lanes.
Enterprise installations mirror this architectural transition towards automated management. Åsa Tamsons, Head of Business Area Enterprise Wireless Solutions at Ericsson, detailed operational strategies that replace best-effort connectivity with guaranteed wireless SLAs.
In Minnesota, for example, the Metropolitan Airports Commission runs private 5G infrastructure to govern daily field operations. Field teams at the facility run airfield automation systems and video analytics over dedicated radio spectrum, preparing local compute resources for upcoming physical AI systems.
Network APIs expose real-time operational telemetry
Clinical environments supply early validation for autonomous hospital workflows. At Singapore’s National University Health System, 5G connections link AI diagnostic tools, mobile robotics, and medical telemetry devices.
Verizon pursues similar hospital infrastructure across the US. Indoor radio coverage supports automated monitoring systems, allowing healthcare staff to deploy algorithmic care routines throughout patient wards.
Public safety deployments demand equivalent reliability. Defence teams evaluate integrated sensing and communications (ISAC) profiles that turn standard radio base stations into radar sensors. Field equipment detects unauthorised drones by tracking reflections in the radio spectrum, which consolidates radio access and airspace monitoring onto unified silicon.
Software interfaces translate these radio capabilities into programmable enterprise software. Christophe Van de Weyer, CEO of Vonage, pointed to developer APIs that verify identity, stop financial fraud, and adjust cellular quality on demand. FIS collaborates with Ericsson to integrate these programmable routines directly into payment systems, digital wallets, and loyalty platforms.
Alongside carriers such as Rogers and software partners including Persona, Zuper, and Storage Guardian, Ericsson says it plans to expand developer access to network application interfaces throughout the coming 6G development cycle.
See also: Nokia AI-RAN trials yield 20% spectral efficiency gain
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