Philippine telecommunications firm PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. have begun pilot testing robotic arm technology on mobile phone towers, aiming to improve network coverage and performance through remote, real-time antenna adjustments.
The trial utilizes a remote-controlled system known as the Optical Compass and Robot Arm (OCRA), which enables network operators to reposition antennas without requiring technicians to visit tower sites.
The technology is being tested as part of efforts to optimise existing infrastructure, particularly in locations with uneven or limited coverage, the Philippine News Agency reported.
PLDT-Smart said the pilot seeks to address longstanding challenges in mobile network operations, where antenna alignment is typically fixed, and changes require physical site visits.
Such visits can be time-consuming and costly, particularly in dense urban areas or remote locations.
Early results
Under the pilot, the OCRA system was installed at an existing cell site serving two nearby locations: a hospital in San Juan City and a high-rise residential building in the same area.
The setup allowed operators to remotely fine-tune antenna positioning to improve signal reach and quality for both sites.
According to PLDT-Smart, the trial demonstrated improvements in signal strength, quality, and data speeds.
The company said these gains were achieved without the need to construct additional base stations, highlighting the potential of the technology to make more efficient use of current infrastructure.
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Industry partnerships
The pilot and proof-of-concept project is being carried out in partnership with HUMAX Networks, the manufacturer of the OCRA system, and Telkha, which served as the system integrator.
The collaboration brings together network operators and technology providers to test how automation and robotics can be applied in live mobile networks.
PLDT-Smart said the system offers real-time visibility into antenna direction, a feature it considers essential for more advanced forms of network management.
By knowing precisely how antennas are oriented at any given time, operators can make targeted adjustments rather than relying on broader, less precise optimisation methods.
Reducing the need for physical site visits
The company said reducing the need for physical site visits could also lower operational costs and help avoid unnecessary installation of new base stations.
Moreover, savings generated through these efficiencies could then be redirected towards network expansion and upgrades.
The pilot does not involve a commercial rollout, and PLDT-Smart has not indicated when or where the technology might be deployed more widely.
For now, the company said the trial is focused on evaluating performance, reliability, and operational benefits under real-world conditions.
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