Samsung Electronics has signed contracts with KT and SK Telecom for artificial intelligence radio access network projects under South Koreaโs Ministry of Science and ICT Hyper AI Network initiative, expanding the use of AI-enabled connectivity across industrial environments.
Samsung has been selected as the sole global vendor for KTโs project and the main vendor for SK Telecomโs programme. The projects are scheduled to begin in October 2026 and will deploy 5G Standalone private networks across industrial sites, including shipbuilding and petrochemical facilities, to validate AI RAN capabilities and generate operational insights for future deployments.
The projects bring together telecom operators, network technology providers and other industry partners to explore the combination of AI RAN, physical AI and autonomous operations. The wider objective is to develop network capabilities that can support more intelligent industrial systems while contributing to Koreaโs transition toward AI-native 6G networks.
Private 5G Supports Industrial AI Applications
At HD Hyundai Samhoโs Yeongam Shipyard, KT will conduct field trials involving physical AI services including welding and painting robots and autonomous robots supporting telecom facility operations.
Samsung will provide its Network in a Server solution for the AI-powered welding robot use case. The platform combines virtualized RAN, an AI core and AI applications within an edge computing environment. Samsung will also provide its CognitiV Network Operations Suite for intelligent network automation.
The use of AI RAN in this environment is intended to support the demanding connectivity requirements of physical AI applications. The welding robot relies on 5G connectivity and edge AI capabilities to perceive its surroundings and perform welding tasks, requiring low latency, high reliability and consistent throughput for real-time control.
The Network in a Server architecture is designed for local deployment and processing, bringing network and AI capabilities closer to where data is generated and decisions are made. The system runs vRAN and 5G SA core software on a commercial off-the-shelf compact edge server.
AI RAN Extends into Energy Infrastructure
SK Telecom will apply the same network approach at SK Incheon Petrochem, where the operator will validate physical AI services in a major energy and petrochemical environment. The applications include an autonomous patrol robot and camera-based monitoring systems.
The patrol robot will transmit high-definition video in real time while moving through potentially hazardous areas. AI analysis can then be used to identify potential hazards and support integrated monitoring across the site.
Samsung is again providing its Network in a Server solution for the project. The deployment will allow the companies to examine how AI-native connectivity can support safety and operational efficiency in environments where continuous monitoring and precise control are important.
The use of AI RAN across the two industrial projects also highlights how private 5G networks can provide the connectivity foundation for physical AI applications. Samsung said its AI RAN capabilities include anomaly detection, throughput enhancement and energy-efficiency improvements, which have been validated on live networks around the world.
The two projects are expected to provide real-world data on how AI-enabled networks can operate alongside autonomous machines and industrial systems. With the deployments scheduled to begin in October 2026, Samsung, KT and SK Telecom are using the initiative to test AI RAN and private 5G capabilities in practical industrial environments while building experience for future AI-native network deployments.