SK Telecom (SKT) said Tuesday that it would conduct joint research on how to use LG's self-driving robots for indoor mapping, security and guidance through its cloud platform based on 5G mobile (multi-access) edge computing (MEC), a network architecture concept that enables cloud computing capabilities and an IT service environment at the edge of the cellular network.
MEC technology is designed to be implemented at cellular base stations or other edge nodes, and enables flexible and rapid deployment of new applications and services for customers. By running applications and performing related processing tasks closer to the cellular customer, network congestion is reduced and applications perform better.
5G MEC processes data close to users by installing small data centers at 5G base stations or exchanges. SKT said that LG's robot using 5G MEC can send and receive a large amount of video data in real time for use in various convergence technologies, including video security services and indoor maps.
LG Electronics has developed various service robots such as CLOi, an artificial intelligence-based autonomous service robot which provides navigational services and controls connected appliances such as an air conditioning system. At Incheon International Airport, South Korea's main gateway, CLOi intelligent robots are helping travelers navigate through the complex.