Japanese telco SoftBank and its South Korean peer KT have recently made significant strides in the field of artificial intelligence with their respective developments in self-developed generative AI (GenAI) systems. Both companies have recognized the immense potential of AI technology and have taken proactive steps to harness its capabilities. In this blog post, we will delve into SoftBank and KT’s groundbreaking advancements in GenAI, exploring the innovative applications and potential impact on various industries. Join us as we unravel the exciting world of self-developed AI systems and discover how SoftBank and KT are paving the way for a future driven by intelligent machines.

SoftBank and KT

Telecom operators SoftBank and KT have recently made moves in the field of generative AI (GenAI) systems, showcasing their commitment to becoming leaders in the artificial intelligence domain.

Brief Overview of SoftBank

SoftBank, a Japanese telco, has implemented an IT platform to support its GenAI development. This platform utilizes a powerful Nvidia AI supercomputer equipped with over 2,000 GPUs and uses enterprise-grade software from Nvidia. The computing platform is being used by SB Intuitions, a subsidiary established by SoftBank to focus on the research and development of large language models (LLMs). With this infrastructure in place, SB Intuitions is set to embark on full-fledged development of homegrown LLMs specifically tailored for the Japanese language.

SoftBank plans to construct LLMs with 350 billion parameters by 2024. In addition to this, SoftBank aims to offer its computing platform to universities, research institutions, and other entities in the near future. Leveraging its high-speed processing capabilities, vast engineering resources, and extensive customer reach, SoftBank intends to develop generative AI services that cater to Japanese business practices and culture.

Junichi Miyakawa, President and CEO of SoftBank, recognizes the transformative potential of GenAI, stating that it can fundamentally reshape society. SoftBank’s strategic focus on developing its own computing platform and LLMs reflects the need to address the current situation where investments in computing platforms and LLMs are predominantly made by non-Japanese companies. SoftBank aims to overcome this lag in AI development based on Japanese datasets and create advanced, large-scale computing platforms, and homegrown LLMs specifically tailored to Japanese culture and business practices.

Brief Overview of KT

KT, a South Korean telco, has introduced its own GenAI service for enterprises known as ‘Mi:dm’. This service includes various language models, ranging from lightweight to extra-large, catering to companies of different sizes and purposes. KT’s full AI stack enables businesses to develop services using large AI models at a reasonable cost, eliminating the need for separate development and learning infrastructure support.

The domestically produced offering from KT includes a dedicated portal called ‘KT Mi:dm Studio’, providing companies with a customized environment to explore and utilize the GenAI service.

Both SoftBank and KT’s initiatives in the realm of GenAI highlight the significant role telecom operators are playing in advancing artificial intelligence technologies. By investing in sophisticated computing platforms, developing tailor-made language models, and offering AI services to businesses, these telcos are positioning themselves at the forefront of AI innovation.

Stay tuned for more updates on the latest advancements in GenAI and the telecom industry.

The Emergence of Generative AI Systems

Generative AI systems have emerged as a groundbreaking technological advancement with the potential to revolutionize various industries. From telecommunications to healthcare, these systems are poised to reshape the way we work and interact with technology. In this section, we will delve into the understanding of generative AI systems and explore their role in the telecommunications sector.

Understanding Generative AI Systems

Generative AI systems refer to artificial intelligence technologies that are capable of autonomously creating or generating new content, such as images, text, and even software code. These systems rely on complex algorithms and deep learning models to produce highly realistic and original outputs.

The development of generative AI can be traced back to the 1960s, but it wasn’t until recent years that significant progress has been made. In 2006, Geoffrey Hinton and his co-authors introduced the concept of Restricted Boltzmann Machines, which marked a significant milestone in the field of deep learning. However, it was the introduction of Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) by Ian Goodfellow in 2014 that propelled generative AI to new heights.

Since then, researchers have made remarkable advancements, including the introduction of the transformer architecture for natural language processing applications. This breakthrough, presented in the paper “Attention is all you Need” by Vaswani and colleagues from Google, has paved the way for sophisticated language generation models.

The Role of GenAI in Telecommunications

In the telecommunications industry, generative AI systems, often referred to as GenAI, offer immense potential to enhance various aspects of the sector. From improving network efficiency to revolutionizing customer experiences, GenAI is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of telecommunications.

With GenAI, telecommunication companies can optimize their network infrastructure by automating tasks such as network planning, resource allocation, and traffic management. By leveraging the power of generative AI, telecom providers can analyze vast amounts of data and make real-time decisions to optimize network performance, reduce costs, and deliver a seamless user experience.

Another key area where GenAI can make a significant impact is in customer service and support. Through the use of AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants, telecommunication companies can provide personalized and efficient customer interactions. GenAI can understand and respond to customer queries in a human-like manner, offering instant support and reducing the need for human intervention.

Moreover, generative AI systems can also improve network security by analyzing patterns and detecting anomalies in real-time. By continuously learning from data, GenAI can identify potential threats and take proactive measures to safeguard telecommunications networks from cyber attacks.

In conclusion, the emergence of generative AI systems has paved the way for unprecedented advancements in various industries, including telecommunications. These systems have the potential to revolutionize network management, enhance customer experiences, and bolster security measures. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to witness even more transformative applications of GenAI in the telecommunications sector.

SoftBank’s Advances in GenAI Systems

SoftBank, the Japanese telecommunications company, has taken significant strides in the development and implementation of generative AI (GenAI) systems. With an aim to establish itself as a leader in the artificial intelligence domain, SoftBank has introduced several advancements in this field.

The Development of SoftBank’s GenAI

SoftBank has recently activated its state-of-the-art IT platform, which serves as the foundation for its latest GenAI initiatives[^1^]. This platform utilizes a powerful Nvidia AI supercomputer equipped with over 2,000 graphics processing units (GPUs) and employs Nvidia AI enterprise-grade software[^1^]. By leveraging this computing platform, SoftBank’s subsidiary, SB Intuitions, focuses on the research and development of large language models (LLMs)[^1^].

SoftBank’s primary objective is to develop homegrown LLMs specifically designed for the Japanese language. With the aim of constructing LLMs with an impressive 350 billion parameters by 2024, SoftBank’s computing platform is poised to play a pivotal role in achieving this goal[^1^]. Furthermore, the company plans to extend the availability of its computing platform, making it accessible to universities, research institutions, and other entities in the near future[^1^].

Implementation and Benefits of SoftBank’s GenAI System

SoftBank’s dedication to GenAI stems from its recognition of the transformative potential this technology holds. Junichi Miyakawa, President and CEO of SoftBank, asserts that GenAI is a groundbreaking technology capable of revolutionizing society[^1^]. To address the prevailing trend of AI investments primarily concentrated outside Japan, SoftBank aims to create an advanced and large-scale computing platform that caters specifically to Japanese culture and business practices[^1^].

By harnessing the computing power of its platform, SoftBank aims to offer generative AI services tailored to Japanese businesses. This will enable the provision of innovative solutions that align with the unique needs and practices of the local market[^1^]. SoftBank’s comprehensive approach, leveraging its computing platform, abundant engineering resources, and extensive customer touchpoints, sets the stage for the development of homegrown LLMs utilizing Japanese language datasets[^1^].

SoftBank’s commitment to advancing AI development in Japan extends beyond its own business interests. By establishing a computing platform and developing homegrown LLMs, SoftBank aims to address the lag in AI development based on Japanese datasets and create an environment conducive to further advancements in this field[^1^].

In conclusion, SoftBank’s initiatives in GenAI systems highlight its dedication to driving innovation and progress in the artificial intelligence domain. By leveraging advanced computing platforms and developing homegrown large language models, SoftBank is poised to provide cutting-edge generative AI services tailored to Japanese culture and business practices.

[^1^]: SoftBank Press Release. (2023, October 31). SoftBank Activates IT Platform for Development of GenAI Systems [Press release]. Retrieved from https://www.softbank.jp/en/corp/news/press/sbkk/2023/20231031_01/

KT’s Progress in GenAI Systems

KT, the South Korean telco, is making significant strides in the development of its own generative AI (GenAI) systems. With the introduction of KT’s GenAI, the company is demonstrating its commitment to establishing itself as a leader in the artificial intelligence domain. In this section, we will explore the creation of KT’s GenAI, along with its applications and advantages.

The Creation of KT’s GenAI

KT has unveiled its GenAI service for enterprises, called ‘Mi:dm’. This offering includes a range of language models, from lightweight to extra-large, catering to businesses of various sizes and purposes. By providing different options, KT ensures that companies can develop AI-powered services suited to their specific requirements.

The development of KT’s GenAI has been driven by the need to offer businesses a cost-effective solution. With its full AI stack, KT enables companies to leverage large-scale AI models without the burden of separate developments and the need for extensive learning infrastructure. This domestically produced offering emphasizes KT’s dedication to supporting companies in their AI endeavors.

To facilitate the development process, KT has introduced the ‘KT Mi:dm Studio’, a dedicated portal that provides a customized environment for companies to create their AI-powered applications. This user-friendly platform simplifies the development and deployment of AI services, empowering businesses to harness the potential of GenAI quickly and efficiently.

Application and Advantages of KT’s GenAI System

KT’s GenAI system offers a multitude of applications across various industries. Companies can leverage this technology to automate customer service interactions, improve data analysis and decision-making processes, and enhance overall operational efficiency.

By incorporating KT’s GenAI into their operations, businesses can streamline customer service workflows through intelligent chatbots capable of understanding and responding to customer inquiries effectively. This automation not only improves customer satisfaction but also frees up human resources for more complex tasks.

Furthermore, KT’s GenAI system enables organizations to extract valuable insights from vast amounts of data. By leveraging advanced machine learning algorithms, businesses can uncover patterns, trends, and correlations that may have previously gone unnoticed. These actionable insights can inform business strategies and drive innovation.

The advantages of KT’s GenAI system extend beyond enhancing customer service and data analysis. By automating routine tasks and improving operational efficiency, businesses can reduce costs, increase productivity, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

In conclusion, KT’s progress in GenAI systems positions the company as a key player in the artificial intelligence domain. With its innovative offerings, such as ‘Mi:dm’ and ‘KT Mi:dm Studio’, KT empowers businesses to leverage the power of generative AI, enabling automation, intelligent decision-making, and operational efficiency. By embracing KT’s GenAI system, companies can unlock new opportunities and stay ahead in the digital age.

Comparison between SoftBank and KT’s GenAI Systems

Japanese telco SoftBank and its South Korean peer KT have recently made significant advancements in the development of their self-developed generative AI (GenAI) systems. While both companies are focused on harnessing the power of AI, there are notable similarities and differences between SoftBank and KT’s GenAI systems. Let’s explore them in detail.

Similarities in SoftBank and KT’s GenAI Systems

Both SoftBank and KT are investing in the development of generative AI systems, aiming to establish themselves as leaders in the artificial intelligence domain. Here are some key similarities between their GenAI systems:

1. Focus on large language models (LLMs): Both SoftBank and KT are utilizing large language models to enhance their GenAI capabilities. SoftBank’s recently established subsidiary, SB Intuitions, is dedicated to the research and development of homegrown LLMs customized for the Japanese language. Similarly, KT’s GenAI service, called ‘Mi:dm’, offers different language models, including lightweight and extra-large options, catering to various company sizes and purposes.
2. Utilization of advanced computing platforms: SoftBank has activated an IT platform that incorporates a powerful Nvidia AI supercomputer with over 2,000 graphics processing units (GPUs). This high-speed computing platform enables faster processing and facilitates the development of complex GenAI models. KT also emphasizes its full AI stack, which allows businesses to develop services using large AI models at a reasonable cost.

Differences in SoftBank and KT’s GenAI Systems

While SoftBank and KT share common ground in their pursuit of GenAI systems, there are also notable differences between their approaches. Here are a few distinctions:

1. Geographical focus: SoftBank’s primary focus lies in developing GenAI systems tailored specifically to Japanese business practices and culture. The company aims to bridge the gap in AI development based on Japanese datasets, which has been lagging behind other languages. On the other hand, KT’s GenAI service is domestically produced, primarily catering to the South Korean market.
2. Offerings and infrastructure: SoftBank’s GenAI system is primarily focused on providing generative AI services through the use of homegrown LLMs. The company plans to offer its computing platform to universities, research institutions, companies, and other entities to further drive AI advancements in Japan. KT’s GenAI service, ‘Mi:dm’, offers a dedicated portal called ‘KT Mi:dm Studio’, providing a customized environment for companies to develop AI services without the need for separate developments and extensive learning infrastructure.

In conclusion, both SoftBank and KT are making significant strides in the development of their GenAI systems. While SoftBank seeks to address the specific needs of the Japanese market, KT aims to provide a versatile GenAI service suitable for businesses of varying sizes. As these telecom operators delve deeper into the world of AI, their GenAI systems will likely play a crucial role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence in their respective regions. Stay tuned for more updates on the advancements of SoftBank and KT in this exciting field.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the recent announcements by SoftBank and KT regarding the development of their own generative AI systems mark a significant step forward in the field of artificial intelligence. These companies are investing in cutting-edge technology to enhance their services and provide innovative solutions to their customers. The development of GenAI systems not only demonstrates their commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements but also reflects the growing importance of AI in various industries. As the potential of AI continues to expand, we can expect to see more companies investing in similar initiatives to drive advancements and improve user experiences. Exciting times lie ahead as AI continues to revolutionize the way we live and work.

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