Netcracker Technology wins 2026 TM Forum Open Innovation Catalyst Award The company announced the award at DTW Ignite. The award is for an innovative project in Physical AI and telecom developments The project was a collaboration of some of the ecosystem’s biggest players. Netcracker, AT&T, China Telecom, OmanTel, Red Hat and others. The companies took a joint look at the role of communications service providers.
The project proved the role of CSPs in the growing Physical AI market. It also demonstrated how telecom companies can be trusted intelligence platforms. Physical AI needs intelligence to work in multiple technology environments such as devices, edge infrastructure, networks and cloud platforms. The award shows how CSPs can meet these complicated requirements. It also shows how they can enable Physical AI deployments at scale
This method harnesses a combination of multiple core technologies and business enablements. These include 5G, Edge AI-as-a-Service, service assurance and partner orchestration. It also brings B2B2X monetization models. So CSPs can build AI-native services that link intelligence with the physical world.
The project was driven by Netcracker’s AI-native BSS/OSS platform. The platform allows for fully autonomous operations in different domains. It also supports you in handling complex workloads across multiple partners. Also, the platform enables flexible B2B2X business models for CSPs.
The Catalyst project is titled “Robotic Dog: AI at the Edge, Sustainable Revenue at Scale.” The initiative provided a practical example of Physical AI technology.
Robotic Dog Project Demonstrates Physical AI in Action
The project was based on a visually impaired person moving around inside and outside. The solution included a variety of intelligent capabilities to enable safer movement. It had real time sensing, and it could avoid obstacles. The project also featured voice interaction and route planning.
Moreover, edge-assisted perception enabled the user navigation experience . These technologies together showed how Physical AI is able to bridge the gap between digital intelligence and physical activity. The project also pointed to a bigger opportunity for telecom operators. CSPs can be at the core of enabling intelligent services beyond basic connectivity.
As AI technology advances, telecom operators can support new services across different environments. These services can combine connectivity, computing, intelligence, and ecosystem capabilities.
“As AI continues to advance, applications that directly enhance lives and help people who might otherwise face significant challenges as they move through the world will create new opportunities for the telecom ecosystem,” said Aaron Boasman-Patel, Vice President, Innovation at TM Forum. “Our judging panel was especially impressed with seeing Physical AI in action in such a meaningful use case that will not only improve conditions for visually impaired individuals but also put CSPs right at the heart of the next major area for growth in telecom.”
The recognition also reflects growing interest in AI-driven telecom services. It shows how CSPs can participate in emerging technology markets. Moreover, the project demonstrates the commercial potential of Physical AI. Telecom providers can build new revenue opportunities around intelligent services.
CSPs Take a Larger Role in the AI Value Chain
Netcracker said: “Winning the award is a significant milestone for the telecom ecosystem. The company’s approach to building Physical AI emphasized strategic partnership. The role of the telecom operators in the project is also evolving. CSPs can use AI to go beyond connectivity and offer more services.
Netcracker’s AI-native BSS/OSS capabilities help make that possible.” They assist operators in synchronizing operations across different technology domains. It also supports partner ecosystems and complex service models. This capability lets CSPs capture growing Physical AI opportunities.
“Being part of this exciting and meaningful project alongside key partners has been a very gratifying experience for our team,” said Bob Titus, Chief Technology Officer at Netcracker. “We’re proud to be recognized with this very prestigious award as we help operators take on a new role in the AI value chain, moving beyond connectivity to become trusted enablers of Physical AI and the future telecom ecosystem.”
The recognition thus ranks Physical AI in the same league as the new opportunities for telecom providers and the relevance of a scalable AI infrastructure. Most importantly, 5G and edge computing can provide a solid backbone for these services. Service assurance can provide an additional first support to reach reliability and consistency in operations.
Partner orchestration can link multiple participants and the extended ecosystem. CSPs can also create additional commercial opportunities through B2B2X monetization. “This recognition by Netcracker underscores the value of industry collaboration. Convergence in connectivity, cloud, edge and AI allow companies to build breakthrough services.
A good example of this approach is the Catalyst project. It connects a real-world application of importance to state-of-the-art AI capabilities.
With the Physical AI market evolving, CSPs could assume broader roles. They can offer the infrastructure and the smarts to deliver connected physical experiences. The TM Forum award recognizes this evolving opportunity. It also presents the possibility for telecom providers to become trusted platforms for Physical AI at scale.
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News Source: Businesswire.com
