Samsung, NAVER Cloud Launch South Korea's First Private 5G Network

Samsung and NAVER Cloud enable the world’s first cloud-based autonomous robot service powered by a 5G private network. The robots provide employees in NAVER headquarters with services such as package delivery, coffee and lunch boxes

Samsung Electronics and Naver Cloud announced that the companies have joined together to switch what they claim to be South Korea’s first private 5G network.

Samsung noted that its network solution will support Naver’s private 5G commercial service to power cloud-based autonomous mobile robots created to provide convenient services to employees throughout one of its headquarters.

Naver Cloud operates the global IT infrastructure and enterprise solution services for Naver and its subsidiaries while providing its public cloud services, Naver Cloud Platform, to a number of companies and organizations across several industries.

Samsung Electronics and Naver Cloud signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in March 2022 for a private 5G network collaboration. The companies noted they will continue working together to develop new business models and use cases to expand private 5G networks globally.

“Naver’s new headquarters serves as a test bed to explore technologies of the future, where 5G network and cloud play a central role,” said Sangyoung Han, executive director at Naver Cloud Strategy and Planning at Naver Cloud. “Together with Samsung, we will continue to develop new private 5G networks business models and cooperate to help more companies achieve digital transformation with cloud technology.”

Naver’s autonomous mobile robot services provide convenience services such as delivering packages, coffee and lunch boxes to employees throughout the building. There are currently 40 robots moving around three floors within the building, with plans to expand to hundreds of robots traveling around the entire 36-floor building this year.

Samsung said its private 5G network plays the role of a neural network that connects the robots and the cloud. In addition, advanced technologies such as digital twins, 3D/HD mapping and AI are applied to help robots learn to find their way inside the building by creating a virtual space that replicates the real world.

NAVER’s autonomous mobile robot services use Samsung Networks and NAVER technologies to introduce a private 5G use case that will begin with 40 robots in the building, and plan to expand to hundreds this year

The commercial private 5G solutions powering Naver’s application include Samsung’s Compact Core and 5G radios supporting 4.7GHz and 28GHz spectrum bands, which are dedicated for private 5G networks in Korea. The private 5G radios from Samsung include an optimized uplink allocation feature, with an allocation ratio of up to 40%

“Our collaboration with Naver highlights how we creatively drive business innovation through future technology convergence. We are thrilled to work with Naver to successfully realize our vision with private 5G network solutions,” said Yong Chang, Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics. “Samsung will continue to work with public institutions and enterprises to deliver diverse use cases for transportation systems, hospitals, schools, SOC facilities and more.”

Finnish vendor Nokia recently launched a Private 5G Open Lab, as part of its existing Advanced Technology Center at its Seoul offices to showcase its technology and encourage the development of 5G private wireless networks in Korea.

Nokia said that the Nokia’s Private 5G Open Lab will support Korean enterprises, communications service providers and partners in leveraging 5G private wireless networks to acquire new capabilities and operational efficiencies. The lab will also offer training to partners and demonstrations for customers. Nokia will also partner with Korean companies developing solutions and services for 5G private wireless networks.

The new facility is equipped with Nokia’s 5G private wireless network solution, including its radio, core and service platform, powered by Nokia’s latest AirScale portfolio, Modular Private Wireless and FastMile 5G Gateways. Nokia Digital Automation Cloud and MX Industrial Edge will also be added and cross-connected with the existing equipment by the third quarter of the year.

June 03, 2022