SoftBank Deploys First Level 3 Autonomous Metro Network in Japan

TOKYO, Japan — SoftBank Corp. announced Tuesday that it has deployed an automated operation system for its metro network utilizing digital twin technology.

According to the company, the system began operating on metro networks that connect core networks to access lines.

The system received Level 3 “Conditional Autonomous” certification from the TM Forum, a global industry association, on Oct. 10.

SoftBank stated it is the first domestic carrier to receive this classification.

The certification, granted under the “IP Fault Management” scenario, indicates that the system can execute control without human intervention under specific conditions, in accordance with TM Forum criteria.

The system consists of a “Predictive Detection Platform” and an “Automatic Rerouting Judgment System.”

According to SoftBank, the system is designed for automated processes from anomaly detection to recovery.

The rerouting system uses a digital twin to analyze network configuration changes, the company said.

It processes setting, status, and alarm data to determine the feasibility of rerouting traffic during failures.

Previously, this function required manual assessment, according to SoftBank.

The predictive platform uses telemetry to collect equipment status and traffic data approximately five times more frequently than conventional SNMP methods, the company said.

SoftBank said the system reduces response times to failures and operational man-hours.

The company operates approximately 10,000 devices within its metro network.

SoftBank said it plans to pursue Level 4 certification and expand the system to other network domains.