Vodafone is testing a mobile mast equipped with an AI brain and robotic arm in Tirana, Albania, that autonomously analyses customer coverage needs and automatically adjusts radio antennas to improve signal quality. The self-thinking mast evaluates demand and local conditions, including weather, to decide where to focus its strongest signal, directing coverage outdoors on sunny days and providing deeper indoor coverage when it rains. The technology uses an algorithm developed by Vodafone engineers and a robotic arm manufactured by South Korean firm HUMAX Networks to rotate or tilt radio antennas for optimized 4G/5G performance, making decisions almost instantly without human intervention. The trial supports Vodafone's broader effort to integrate autonomous antenna control into its company-wide, open standards-based platform for automating radio access network (RAN) components.
AI Mast Adjusts Coverage Based on Weather and Demand Patterns
The AI brain autonomously directs the robotic arm to rotate or tilt the radio antenna to optimise 4G/5G coverage and performance. The system continues to think, learn and adapt based on demand and local conditions. On sunny days it directs the signal outdoors, and when it rains, it focuses on providing deeper indoor coverage. Weather and other local conditions shape how and where people connect to the mobile network. A sudden downpour or traffic jam can quickly shift traffic patterns across a wide area. By feeding these variables into self-organising network algorithms, antennas across multiple sites can quickly reposition to anticipate demand before it builds.
Vodafone Tests Technology at Tirana Shopping Centre Site
Vodafone is trialling the technology at a site in Tirana, Albania, overlooking a busy shopping centre. During the day, the antenna serves shoppers; at night, it automatically shifts coverage to a nearby residential area, adding capacity when evening internet use rises. The process takes around 20 to 30 minutes. While the movement can technically be speeded up, the pace is designed to conserve energy and is still far faster than the days needed for a manual change or the weeks required to add another antenna.
Robotic Arm Reduces Antenna Adjustment Time to 20-30 Minutes
Today, adjusting an antenna usually requires an engineer to climb the mast. Even with efforts to minimise disruption, the process can take weeks or months because it may require planning permission, agreements with site owners, road closures for heavy equipment, and suitable weather conditions for crews to work safely. The robotic arm manufactured by South Korean firm HUMAX Networks enables adjustments in 20 to 30 minutes without human intervention.
Francisco 'Paco' Martin Pignatelli, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at Vodafone, 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."
Vodafone Integrates Autonomous Control into RAN Automation Platform
The project supports Vodafone's broader effort to integrate autonomous antenna control into its company-wide, open standards-based platform for automating radio access network (RAN) components. Internal teams and third-party developers can use the platform to create intelligent optimisation algorithms that enable antennas to become active, dynamic parts of an adaptive RAN.
Vodafone expects similar autonomous products to become available in the coming months. Some of these will move small components inside the antenna to alter the signal, rather than the whole unit, thereby reducing energy use. The initiative builds on Vodafone's rollout of satellite-guided sensors in new mobile mast antennas, which began last year. Using GPS technology, Vodafone can remotely verify that antennas have been installed correctly to maximise radio performance. Correcting misalignment typically requires manual intervention, which can be both time-consuming and costly.
Antenna digitalisation, combined with AI-powered RAN automation, is a major step towards fully autonomous, self-adapting networks. By focusing on practical innovation, Vodafone is demonstrating technology leadership today while helping shape the networks of tomorrow.
FAQ
What is Vodafone testing in Tirana, Albania?
Vodafone is testing a mobile mast equipped with an AI brain and robotic arm that autonomously analyses customer coverage needs and automatically adjusts radio antennas to improve signal quality. The system uses an algorithm developed by Vodafone engineers and a robotic arm manufactured by South Korean firm HUMAX Networks.
How long does the AI mast take to adjust antenna coverage?
The AI-powered antenna adjustment process takes around 20 to 30 minutes. This is far faster than the days needed for a manual change or the weeks required to add another antenna, which typically requires planning permission, site owner agreements, and engineer site visits.
How does weather affect the AI mast's coverage decisions?
The AI mast evaluates local conditions including weather to decide where to focus its strongest signal. On sunny days it directs the signal outdoors to serve customers in open areas, and when it rains, it focuses on providing deeper indoor coverage where customers are more likely to be located.
