SK Telecom recently conducted a successful trial showcasing its autonomous driving robot technology powered by Telco Edge AI infrastructure. Over the course of two months at the Pangyo facility near Seoul, the focus was on indoor product transport and delivery robots with a need for precise positioning. Equipped with sensors like cameras and IMUs, the robots navigated the complex SK Telecom headquarters interior using advanced AI technology.
Utilizing Visual Localization And Mapping (VLAM) technology, an image-based sensor fusion positioning system was key to ensuring stable movement in complex environments. SK Telecom's Telco Edge AI infrastructure played a crucial role in powering the robots by reducing cloud computational load, facilitating real-time AI inference, and enhancing mobile network value.
The Telco Edge AI infrastructure is poised to revolutionize the industry by offering a cost-effective alternative to existing on-device vision AI equipment with improved security and scalability features. By processing data at the edge instead of routing it to a central server, personal information is safeguarded, and data security is enhanced.
Moving forward, SK Telecom anticipates that its Telco Edge AI infrastructure will drive down robot manufacturing costs, optimize battery performance, and facilitate high-performance AI tasks. The company aims to explore diverse business opportunities in industries like manufacturing, logistics, and services.
SK Telecom is committed to further advancements in technology and plans to establish a testbed for evaluating edge AI-based technologies, products, and services. By fostering partnerships between operators and manufacturers, the company aims to propel innovation in the field.
Looking ahead, SK Telecom is dedicated to leading the development of 6G AI infrastructure that integrates communications and AI to enhance infrastructure value through technology evolution, global standardization, and extensive collaboration.