Rakuten AI Site Tool Expands Beyond Telecom

Rakuten Symphony has unveiled a significantly smarter, AI-enhanced version 2.0 of its Site Management tool, signaling a strategic expansion beyond its traditional telecommunications focus. This upgrade not only brings advanced artificial intelligence capabilities to streamline site deployments but also comes alongside an expanded partnership with key customer AT&T, which is now leveraging the tool for broader infrastructure projects.

The Leap to AI Powered Efficiency

The original iteration of Rakuten Site Management was primarily about digitizing processes, with a touch of machine learning to simplify tasks, according to Anshul Bhatt, Rakuten Symphony’s Head of Intelligent Operations. Version 2.0, however, elevates the platform with more substantial AI integration.

This new version introduces several AI-driven features. For example, it automates site audits using AI image analysis, which can approve the quality of completed work or reject it with detailed remediation recommendations. The tool also enhances design efficiency and collaboration by digitizing complex infrastructure diagrams. Furthermore, it automates feasibility analysis by using AI to evaluate geographic, environmental, and regulatory data, and proactively flags potential delays before they can disrupt a project.

Beyond Telecom New Frontiers for Site Management

“One of the reasons why we launched this 2.0 version was to diversify ourselves from just wireless and wireline,” Bhatt explained. He emphasized that the revamped tool is versatile enough to address “any real estate management” project. This includes a wide array of applications, from deploying satellite ground stations and EV charging ports to managing interior data center design and overseeing utility station construction.

AT&T and Nokia Validating Success in the Field

A strong testament to the tool's capabilities comes from AT&T. Rakuten Symphony has been collaborating with AT&T for nearly three years, initially focusing on its open RAN deployments. Bhatt highlighted that using the first version of Site Management, AT&T successfully consolidated and retired around 100 internal tools previously used for project management.

Rakuten Symphony’s Site Management tool (Rakuten Symphony)

The platform is currently used by 10,000 individuals across AT&T and its contractor teams. Recently, AT&T expanded its commitment by signing on to use the Site Management tool for its fiber deployments as well.

It's not just AT&T recognizing the value; Bhatt also noted, “Even Nokia uses this tool globally” where they provide managed services for site deployment.

The Road Ahead Site Management 3.0 and Future AI

According to Bhatt, Site Management 2.0 includes seven or eight key features powered by AI. The company is already looking towards future versions, with the 3.0 edition expected to introduce even more AI-based functionalities. These could include capabilities for provisioning, orchestrating, and optimizing operations.

Bhatt provided a sneak peek into one such development, mentioning his team is working on “something called harvesting and reusing of assets.” The objective of this feature would be to identify underutilized assets within a network and suggest nearby sites where they could be deployed more effectively.

While a release date for version 3.0 is yet to be confirmed, Rakuten Symphony will be discussing its latest 2.0 release at DTW Ignite in Copenhagen this week.

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