Philippine telecommunications group PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. have begun testing remote-controlled robotic technology on mobile phone towers, as operators explore new ways to fine-tune network performance without relying on costly and time-consuming site visits.
The pilot project centres on the use of robotic arms installed on cell towers, allowing antennas to be adjusted remotely and in real time.
PLDT-Smart said the trial is intended to support network optimisation and coverage improvements, particularly in areas where service gaps remain.
The technology being tested is known as the Optical Compass and Robot Arm (OCRA) system.
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According to PLDT-Smart, the system enables operators to reposition antennas remotely to better direct signals towards specific locations.
The company stated that this capability could help improve coverage, reduce operational costs and enhance overall network performance.
The pilot and proof-of-concept project is being carried out in partnership with OCRA manufacturer HUMAX Networks and system integrator Telkha, as reported by the Philippine News Agency.
Under the trial, PLDT-Smart installed the robotic system at an existing cell site serving two nearby locations: a hospital in San Juan and a high-rise residential building in the same area.
“The system addresses long-standing issues in traditional wireless setups, where antennas are fixed in place, and adjustments require physical site visits,” the company said, describing the process as often costly and time-consuming.
Early performance results
PLDT-Smart said the pilot demonstrated improvements in signal strength, quality and speed when the robotic system was paired with the Vega High Grain Antenna.
This configuration was also tested at a separate site in Dipaculao, Aurora, allowing the company to observe performance under different geographic and network conditions.
The company said the ability to make precise, real-time antenna adjustments could help operators avoid installing additional base stations where existing infrastructure can be optimised instead.
Reducing the need for new installations and site visits could translate into savings in both time and operating costs.
According to PLDT-Smart, such efficiencies would allow telecommunications providers to redirect resources towards expanding and upgrading their networks rather than maintaining existing sites.
The company said this approach could ultimately improve service delivery without requiring large-scale infrastructure build-outs.
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Towards automated network management
PLDT-Smart said the OCRA system also supports its broader move towards more automated network management, including the use of artificial intelligence for optimisation.
Real-time visibility into antenna direction is considered a key requirement for AI-driven systems, which rely on continuous data and rapid adjustments to manage network performance.
“This milestone strengthens Smart’s leadership in 5G while laying the groundwork for future 6G advancements,” the company said, linking the trial to longer-term planning rather than immediate commercial deployment.
PLDT-Smart has not indicated whether or when the robotic technology might be rolled out more widely.
For now, the company said the pilot is intended to evaluate the system’s effectiveness and practicality under real-world conditions before any broader adoption is considered.
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Adam Peaker 
Newsjustnews writers 
Carmela Calling