Vodafone is testing mobile mast that uses AI and a robotic arm to automatically adjust its antenna and improve 4G/5G coverage based on ongoing demands.
The trial, taking place in Tirana, Albania, incorporates software with a robotic arm that rotates or tilts the antenna based on network demand and local conditions, including the weather.
At the trial site the antenna provides more capacity to a nearby shopping centre during the day before shifting coverage to surrounding homes in the evening, when internet use is higher.
The adjustment takes around 20 to 30 minutes, the technology company revealed.
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According to the company, the technology could reduce the need for engineers to manually reposition antennas, a process that can take weeks or even months due to planning approvals, site access and weather conditions.
Vodafone Director of Mobile Access Engineering, Francisco ‘Paco’ Martin Pignatelli, said: “This is an early example of Physical AI in telecoms. By analysing network demand and making autonomous decisions, the AI algorithm can adjust radio antennas to optimise coverage and capacity without human intervention. This enables us to deliver superior connectivity for our customers.”
Additionally, Vodafone revealed that the trial is part of its wider work to automate mobile networks.
As a result, it predicts similar technology to become available in the coming months, including systems that adjust components inside antennas rather than moving the entire unit, helping to improve efficiency and reduce energy use.
