On the way to AI-native Networks: Networks that Self-Operate

#AI #ML #AINative #AgenticAI #DigitalTwins #SpatialIntelligence #SemCom #Nokia #BellLabs #NSO #autonomous #networks #communications #telecom #technology #FutureNetworks #ieee

Special Presentation by Anne Y. Lee, AI Research Lab CTO (Nokia Bell Labs, USA)

Hosted by the Future Networks Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (AI/ML) Working Group

Date/Time: Thursday, 5 February 2026 @ 6 PM Eastern Time (3 PM Pacific Time)

Topic:

On the way to AI-native Networks:  Networks that Self-Operate

Abstract:

Networks that self-operate (NSOs) are set to revolutionize communications via agentic AI agents in combination with digital twins, spatial intelligence, and semantic communications. They will enable autonomous, adaptive networks that reduce bandwidth, enhance operational efficiency, and simplify management through conversational interfaces. While facing challenges like model complexity and data quality, NSOs promise proactive, intelligent systems that could potentially extend beyond network operations, driving Industry 5.0. Strategic, robust implementation is critical to overcoming barriers and achieving a truly self-operating infrastructure. In this presentation, we examine the technologies at the heart of NSOs, their potentials and limitations, as well as the challenges and opportunities that they present to the networking industry.

Speaker:

Anne Y. Lee is a Bell Labs Fellow currently working as CTO and Senior Research Scientist @ AI Research Lab – Nokia Bell Labs. Previously, she served as Senior Technology Advisor in the Technology Leadership Office on Technology Strategy and Architecture supporting the CSTO and CEO by analyzing the evolution of key technologies (e.g. artificial intelligence) and the overall network architecture to identify new directions for the industry and the impact and requirements on the company's portfolio. Anne was the IMS technical team leader for Lucent Technologies working closely with the 3GPP standards team from the beginning – circa 1999 – to create the multi-access, globally interoperable IP communications system deployed worldwide today supporting over six billion IMS devices. She became a Bell Labs Fellow in 2005 for her pioneering work in IMS and Wireless. Bell Labs Fellow is the highest honor bestowed on individuals for lifetime technical achievements at Nokia. She is a keynote and TEDx industry speaker.

Brochure (PDF): Webinar-AIML-2026-02-05-Lee-NetworksSelfOperate-Brochure.pdf