SK Telecom to Launch 'Aster': A Global AI Personal Agent for North American Users

SK Telecom to launch AI agent for global users in North America next year

A promotional image of aster, SK Telecom's artificial intelligence agent targeting global users, provided by the company / Yonhap SK Telecom said Tuesday it will release an artificial intelligence (AI) agent targeting global users in North America next year. The AI agent, named aster, was showcased at the SK AI Summit 2024, an annual tech conference hosted by SK Group, in Seoul. The new model has been designed as an agentic AI, which goes beyond answering simple questions to operate autonomously and make complex decisions through conversations with users, the company explained. Aster will first hit the North American market next year after completing a closed beta test this year. The AI agent's name, which comes from the word asterisk, implies its role as a guiding companion and navigator, according to SK Telecom. "Global users will use just one application, aster, but will be able to gain access to the AI ecosystem that encompasses various AI models developed for different individuals, regions and countries," said Chung Suk-geun, SK Telecom's chief AI global officer. (Yonhap)

SK Telecom Unveils 'Aster(A*),' Its New Global AI Personal Agent at SK AI Summit 2024 By Investing.com

- On the second day of the SK AI Summit 2024, SK Telecom introduced Aster(A), an AI-driven personal assistant designed for global users - Aster is designed as an 'Agentic AI,' which goes beyond answering simple queries by understanding user intentions to set goals and complete tasks - SK Telecom plans to collaborate with global search providers, LLM developers, and third-party applications to enhance Aster's functionalities for North American users , /PRNewswire/ -- SK Telecom (NYSE: SKM) today unveiled 'Aster(A)', an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven personal assistant tailored for global users, at the SK AI Summit 2024. Aster, presented on the second day of the summit during the session titled 'Navigate Your Life with a Personal AI Agent,' conveys the meaning of a 'Guiding Companion' for everyday life. The service is scheduled to launch a closed beta in later this year, with a full market launch planned for the following year. Aster is designed as an 'Agentic AI,' going beyond simple Q&A or search functions by understanding users' intentions to set goals, make plans, and complete tasks on their behalf. SK Telecom aims to deliver innovative experiences through Aster, guided by concepts such as 'Planning Made Easy,' 'Never Drop the Ball (NYSE:BALL),' and 'Timely Answer.' To bring these concepts to life, SK Telecom is focused on optimizing its large language model (LLM) and Agent platforms. This will enable the delivery of personalized information and the planning and execution of tasks based on the identified intentions of customers. In the beta version, Aster can assist with requests such as, "Help me prepare dinner for a party this weekend." The system then prompts relevant questions to clarify needs, for example, "Would you prefer a chicken satay salad or turkey and vegetable stir-fry?" Aster subsequently structures each step of the task, from suggesting recipes and listing ingredients to organizing a cooking schedule. It can even connect users with services to purchase listed items. SK Telecom plans to enhance Aster's capabilities through partnerships with global search providers, LLM developers, and third-party applications aiming to establish a comprehensive AI ecosystem for North American users. "With Aster, users are interacting with a single app, but they're actually tapping into an extensive AI ecosystem," said -geun, Head of the Global/AI Tech Business at SK Telecom. "We're committed to providing unparalleled value and convenience to our customers through continuous development and strategic collaborations." About SK Telecom SK Telecom has been leading the growth of the mobile industry since 1984. Now, it is taking customer experience to new heights by extending beyond connectivity. By placing AI at the core of its business, SK Telecom is rapidly transforming into an AI company with a strong global presence. It is focusing on driving innovations in areas of AI Infrastructure, AI Transformation (AIX) and AI Service to deliver greater value for industry, society, and life. For more information, please visit our LinkedIn page www.linkedin.com/company/sk-telecom.