MobiledgeX, NTT DoCoMo Trial MEC for 5G Applications

MobiledgeX and NTT DoCoMo today announced a new initiative that will use multi-access edge computing (MEC) to distribute 5G applications around the world. MobiledgeX and NTT DoCoMo today announced a new initiative that will use multi-access edge computing (MEC) to distribute 5G applications around the world. The proof-of-concept (PoC), which will be conducted in Tokyo later this month, will consist of a “markerless” augmented reality (AR) application base on the Edge Realities platform, which is provided by Polish software studio 1000 realities. The application will be distributed to the MEC platform, DoCoMo Open Innovation Cloud, and connected to the operator’s 5G and LTE networks in Japan. The application itself uses spacial-recognition technology to superimpose AR content on real objects and large spaces without the use of place markers. Because the computation required for the application is being outsourced to the MEC platform and DoCoMo’s low-latency network, the two companies claim to be able to deliver an AR experience to hardware without native AR capabilities. The PoC will open to the public during the DoCoMo Open House in Tokyo from Jan. 23-24. Visitors will be able to trial the AR application using a pair of smart glasses. MobiledgeX has been at the heart of several edge developments during the past year that, like the DoCoMo PoC, aim to put real-world edge applications to the test. In September, the edge computing startup said it counts 13 top-tier mobile operators as part of its global edge network initiative. In addition to parent company Deutsche Telekom, these include SK Telecom, Telus, and now NTT DoCoMo. Almost a year ago, MobiledgeX rolled out its first pubic edge network with Deutsche Telekom in Germany. The network was powered by MobiledgeX’s Edge-Cloud R1.0 platform, which connects mobile users to application cloud containers created by aggregating existing network resources. These containers were designed to execute close to the end devices to provide exceptionally low latency, high-performance experiences. And given the financial implications of edge computing, it’s easy to see why MobiledgeX has dug in deep. According to one report, the market could surpass $4.1 trillion by 2030.