SK Telecom has unveiled “Aster”, a new AI agent designed to proactively assist users in their daily lives. The name “Aster” is derived from the word “asterisk”, signifying a mark used to highlight important items, and also alludes to the AI agent’s role as a guiding companion in users’ lives.

Unveiled at the SK AI Summit 2024, Aster is positioned as an “agentic AI” that goes beyond simply responding to queries or providing search results. It aims to understand user intentions through conversation and then proactively plan and execute tasks. For instance, if a user requests, "Help me prepare dinner for a party this weekend," Aster would engage in a follow-up dialogue to clarify preferences, such as "Would you prefer a chicken salad or a turkey stir-fry?" Once the user's preference is confirmed, Aster would search for recipes, create a detailed shopping list, and even suggest nearby grocery stores.

The AI agent is designed to handle complex and ambiguous requests, helping users with tasks like making reservations, booking accommodations, and purchasing tickets. SK Telecom plans to conduct a closed beta test before launching Aster in the North American market next year.

“We identified an opportunity in the AI agent space while addressing the shortcomings of existing AI services,” said Seok-Geun Jeong, EVP and Head of Global & AI Tech Business Unit at SK Telecom. “Aster is designed to overcome the limitations of traditional AI chatbots and provide a more proactive and personalized user experience.”

By positioning Aster as an intelligent and proactive assistant, SK Telecom aims to establish a strong foothold in the global AI market.