An SK Telecom Co. employee demonstrates 5G virtual desktop infrastructure in a smart office in downtown Seoul on Feb. 13, 2019. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Feb. 13 (Korea Bizwire) — SK Telecom Co. introduced a smart office based on the 5G network Wednesday, showcasing how the latest ICT technology can empower digital workplaces and enhance productivity.
The nation’s top mobile carrier last month opened the smart office in a new skyscraper in downtown Seoul, which adopted cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and augmented and virtual reality.
With high-speed 5G, SK Telecom said the wireless office aims to create an “agile” work environment that makes the organization’s tasks simpler and more flexible.
“There has been nothing like this smart office, which truly integrated 5G and IoT technology,” Shin Sang-gyu, the head of SKT’s human resources, said in a press briefing. “This is a hassle-free, cableless and data-driven workplace that supports smart working.”
The firm said the increased speed of the 5G mobile network enables several wireless devices to connect to one another, creating a faster, data-driven workplace.
Employees from different offices can collaborate in real time through the fast network, reducing lag for video conferencing. With AR and VR technology, they can share 3-D images with each other via mobile networks.
By plugging a smartphone into a docking system, employees can immediately work with virtual desktop infrastructure without a laptop or PC.
Over 2,000 sensors check movement of workers, temperature, air quality to provide secure access and control of office buildings. They are also used for employee management, attendance system management and identification of employees.
SK Telecom said the smart office will serve as a “test bed” to collect big data and develop management know-how, eyeing partnerships with real estate developers, office designers and shared office operators in the future.
“After testing the smart office technology in SK’s offices, we will push for partnership with other companies to create new business opportunities,” Choi Nak-hoon, the head of 5GX IoT/Data Group, said.
“If 5G smart offices expand presence, they will be able to improve productivity of workers in knowledge-intensive sectors, such as information, health, IT service and education.”
According to New York-based Kenneth Research, the global smart office market was valued at US$19 billion in 2016 and is projected to reach $56.3 billion by 2025.
(Yonhap)
