South Korea’s major telecom companies are entering the growing Market for personal AI agents, which are smart systems that can perform tasks without human help. They’re using their mobile services to create AI solutions for home devices like TVs and refrigerators. SK Telecom’s AI agent, Aster, has quickly gained popularity, reaching over 5.5 million subscribers since its launch in September 2023, and is set to expand into the North American Market this year. LG Uplus is also making strides with its AI agent, ixi-O, which integrates generative AI and aims to connect with household appliances. KT Corp. is partnering with Microsoft to enhance its AI offerings. The global AI agent Market is expected to grow significantly, reaching nearly $61 billion by 2029.
South Korea’s Telecom Giants Embrace AI Agents: A New Era of Technology
South Korea’s major telecom companies are diving into the exciting world of personal artificial intelligence agents. These AI agents are smart systems designed to perform specific tasks independently, representing the next wave of innovation in technology.
Telecom carriers are using their mobile services to develop AI solutions meant for everyday home appliances like TVs, refrigerators, and smart speakers. This vision includes creating a future where homes can be seamlessly integrated with AI technology.
Currently, AI agents from these companies can manage various tasks. They can answer calls when users are unavailable, provide summaries of conversations, and even convert voice calls into written text in real-time. These smart agents also assist in language translation and help detect phishing scams.
One of the frontrunners, SK Telecom, launched its AI agent named A. in September 2023. It attracted over 5.5 million subscribers within just a year. Recently, SK Telecom enhanced its service by adding AI features to its calling platform, T phone, now branded as A. Phone. Beyond South Korea, SK Telecom is making international moves by presenting its global AI agent, Aster, at the SK AI Summit 2024, with plans to launch in North America later this year.
Meanwhile, LG Uplus debuted its AI agent ixi-O in November, utilizing LG AI Research’s Exaone model. This agent has already gained 150,000 subscribers and aims to expand its functionality to various home appliances.
KT Corp. is also on board, collaborating with Microsoft to develop user-friendly AI agents for consumer applications, which will enhance their Genie TV platform. This partnership promises to bring AI closer to daily life by allowing easy conversational access to information while watching TV.
With Market forecasts showing the AI agent industry growing from $14.8 billion in 2024 to $60.8 billion by 2029, the demand is clear. Speaking at CES 2025, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang highlighted the significance of AI agents, describing them as the “next robotic industry” with immense potential.
As South Korea’s telecom companies advance in this field, they are not only shaping the future of technology but also redefining how we interact with our everyday devices.
Tags: Artificial Intelligence, South Korea Telecom, AI Agents, Smart Home Technology, SK Telecom, LG Uplus, KT Corp, Digital Innovation.
What are AI agents in telecom?
AI agents are smart computer programs that help telecom companies provide better services. They can answer customer questions, solve problems, and improve how networks work. This technology uses artificial intelligence to learn and adapt over time.
Why are Korean telecom carriers interested in AI agents?
Korean telecom carriers want to use AI agents to enhance customer service and make operations more efficient. By using AI, they can offer faster responses to customer inquiries, reduce wait times, and manage network resources more effectively.
What benefits do AI agents bring to customers?
AI agents can provide quick answers to customer questions and offer 24/7 support. They help reduce frustration by providing immediate assistance, improving the overall customer experience. Customers can access help anytime without needing to wait for a human representative.
How are Korean telecom companies using AI agents?
Korean telecom carriers are integrating AI agents into their customer service platforms. This includes chatbots for online chats, virtual assistants for phone support, and smart systems that can handle common issues automatically. This allows companies to focus human resources on more complex problems.
Are AI agents safe and reliable?
Yes, AI agents are designed with security in mind. Korean telecom carriers ensure that these systems follow strict guidelines to protect customer data. However, it’s still important for users to be cautious and share personal information only when necessary.
