NTT DATA and Ericsson collaborate on 5G-enabled AI solutions

NTT DATA, a provider of AI and digital technology services, has partnered with Ericsson to support the deployment of private 5G networks and the use of edge AI and physical AI applications. The multi-year strategic partnership focuses on enabling enterprise connectivity solutions on a global scale with a practical, outcome-oriented approach.

The collaboration combines Ericsson’s Private 5G and Edge platforms with NTT DATA’s enterprise network services, including wireless expertise, IT/OT security, and managed services. The partnership’s key focus areas are:

• Global Private 5G Managed Services: NTT DATA will provide global system integration and managed services, delivering consistent architecture, operations, and security for private 5G networks.
• AI Integration into Enterprise Connectivity: NTT DATA Edge AI agents will run on Ericsson’s Edge platforms, allowing real-time, data-driven decision-making at the source of data generation.
• Industry Solutions: Proven solutions across sectors such as manufacturing, mining, ports, and smart cities will support efficient private 5G deployment and measurable business outcomes.
• Unified Global Approach: Joint sales and delivery efforts aim to simplify deployments, reduce vendor complexity, and accelerate time to value.

Shahid Ahmed of NTT DATA highlighted the importance of combining connectivity, intelligence, and security for scalable enterprise deployments. The partnership positions private 5G as foundational infrastructure for edge AI and physical AI applications.

Asa Tamsons of Ericsson noted that the collaboration extends enterprise connectivity to support edge and physical AI applications across multiple industries. By combining NTT DATA’s expertise with Ericsson’s platforms, enterprises can transition from pilot projects to production-grade operations with scalable AI deployments.

Initial focus areas for the partnership include:

• Manufacturing: Automated quality inspection, predictive maintenance, and real-time safety monitoring using sensor and vision data.
• Transport and Logistics: Autonomous operations leveraging real-time vehicle and asset data for dynamic routing, tracking, and safety.
• Energy and Mining: Remote and autonomous operations, intelligent inspections, and AI-driven monitoring in challenging environments.
• Smart Cities: Intelligent traffic management, public safety monitoring, and real-time optimisation of energy and municipal services.