AI-Powered Autonomous Driving Robot Tech Tested for Indoor Navigation

SK Telecom has successfully demonstrated autonomous driving robot technology based on its Telco Edge AI infrastructure.

The two-month test, conducted at the company's Pangyo building just south of Seoul, focused on indoor product transport and delivery robots requiring high-precision positioning.

The robots, equipped with sensors including cameras and Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), navigated the complex interior of SK Telecom's headquarters using advanced AI technology.

The company applied its Visual Localization And Mapping (VLAM) technology, an image-based sensor fusion positioning system, to support the robot's stable movement in complex environments.

SK Telecom's Telco Edge AI infrastructure powered the robot. It’s designed to reduce the computational burden on the cloud while enabling real-time AI inference, increasing the value of mobile networks.

The telco firm says its Telco Edge AI infrastructure can replace existing high-cost on-device vision AI equipment while providing enhanced security and scalability. 

By processing data at the edge without transmitting it to a central server, the system better protects personal information and strengthens data security.

“Through this demonstration, we have laid the foundation for applying Telco Edge AI-based security technology and low-latency services to various industries,” said Ryu Tak-ki, head of SK Telecom’s infrastructure technology division.

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Credit: SK Telecom

The company expects the Telco Edge AI infrastructure to lower robot manufacturing costs, increase battery efficiency and enable complex tasks requiring high-performance AI calculations. 

SK Telecom plans to develop various business models based on its Telco Edge AI, targeting innovation in manufacturing, logistics and service industries. 

To further advance the tech, SK Telecom plans to establish a testbed for evaluating edge AI-based technologies, products and services. 

The company said it will continue its field research, while fostering collaboration between operators and manufacturers.

“We will lead the evolution of 6G AI wired and wireless infrastructure that adds new value to infrastructure by converging communications and AI in terms of technology development, global standardization and ultra-cooperation,” Ryu said.