SEOUL, KOREA - SK Telecom (NYSE:SKM) introduces Atti*, a learning robot for children, for the first time, and Smart Beam, the world’s smallest pico projector for smartphones and tablet PCs, at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2013.
*“Atti” is a Korean word meaning close friend or buddy.
Atti is a cute, friendly-looking robot designed to make learning more fun and interesting for children by utilizing cutting-edge ICT. SK Telecom joined hands with Utah State University to develop learning contents that are both fun and educational. The company said that it is in talks with global companies on partnerships and sales of Atti in overseas markets, and expects to see tangible results at MWC. Atti is scheduled to be released in the first half of 2013.
Atti is an educational robot that utilizes user’s smartphone as its brain and is designed to target preschool children. In order to serve the educational needs of preschool children, SK Telecom also developed an independent multimedia knowledge database for children available both in Korean and English.
Moreover, the company set up a separate voice database for preschoolers considering their inaccurate pronunciation to ensure flawless and friendly interaction between preschoolers and the robots. It also enables preschoolers to use Atti’s magic wand, which is embedded with motion recognition sensors, to experience cooking and play rhythm action and board games.
SK Telecom developed a multimedia dictionary application for preschoolers using the Qualcomm Vuforia™ text recognition feature, presented by Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. at CES held in January 2013. Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated. Vuforia enables developers, creative agencies, brand, and content owners to create mobile applications to “see” and “read” using smartphone and tablet cameras on iOS or Android devices.
Children can simply hold a Smartphone camera towards a storybook to enjoy rich Augmented Reality experiences. For instance, by angling the camera to a specific word like “princess,” diverse types of relevant information will be shown, including the meaning, pronunciation, pictures and multimedia information.
Meanwhile, SK Telecom is currently co-developing educational contents and curriculum using educational robots for kids with the Department of Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences at Utah State University. At present, Utah State University (USU) is studying the educational effects of the robots on grade school and preschool students, and reflecting the study results to the development of educational contents that utilize kids’ learning robots. USU plans to introduce a learning robot-based curriculum for preschool students attending the kindergarten under its umbrella.
The research team at the Department of Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences at USU said, “Forpreschoolers, play is an essential part of learning. Supported by systematic education contents and curriculum, educational robots will greatly enhance learning effects for children.”
With the aim to build a market environment where diverse players - including robot makers, publishers and education content providers - can achieve mutual growth and success, SK Telecom will forge partnerships with Dongbu Robot, Samsung Publishing and Book21, and plans to gradually expand its partnerships with other companies.
■ Smart Beam
At MWC 2013, SK Telecom also showcases Smart Beam, the world's smallest pico projector for smartphones and tablet PCs.
Smart Beam has been developed under the concept of ‘creating a smart device that tells bedtime stories for children.’ It projects video contents stored/being played on smartphones on the ceiling to allow children to fall asleep peacefully while watching their favorite fairy tales.
Smart Beam sets itself apart from other projectors through its highly portable design, powerful audio and high-quality image. Moreover, it brings much greater user convenience by removing the need for installation of a projector screen and speaker. Smart Beam is becoming popular in both local and international markets, as it can also be utilized by those who wish to watch movies while camping as well as those who often hold meetings using screens.
Since its launch in September 2012, Smart Beam has been chosen as one of the Big 5 items under the Portable Product category at Hong Kong Electronics Fair in October 2012, and won a product design award at iF Design Awards held in Germany in December 2012. In addition, upon invitation, Smart Beam has been exhibited at the Mobile Learning Week hosted by UNESCO in Paris from February 18 to 22.
SK Telecom said that Smart Beam has been already exported to Germany and is scheduled to export it to countries throughout Europe. In addition, the company signed a contract to supply Smart Beam to the Malaysian market.
The company expects to generate tangible results through this year’s MWC as it is scheduled to hold negotiations with global mobile carriers such during the event, and is currently in talks with diverse mobile carriers in the U.S., Middle East, China and Thailand.
Park Chol-soon, Senior Vice President and Head of Convergence Business Office said, “SK Telecom has combined ICT and education to successfully create business models that can compete in the global market. SK Telecom will continue to leverage its strong ICT capability to develop smart products and services in diverse areas to deliver greater benefits to customers.”
