SKT A.Dot Integrated into T Map... Evolving into a Conversational 'AI Navigation'

Understanding Conversational Route Requests
Detailed Information Provided for Condition- and Theme-Based Searches
Guidance Reflecting User Context and Driving History
"Evolving into a Conversational Mobility AI Agent"

SK Telecom and T Map Mobility announced on the 17th that they have carried out a complete overhaul to integrate the artificial intelligence (AI) service A.Dot into T Map Mobility's navigation service, T Map. With this update, A.Dot is now applied to the in-vehicle voice guidance system, enabling conversational navigation guidance for users.

This overhaul replaces the previous NUGU-based voice guidance in T Map with A.Dot, while also aiming to develop T Map into an interactive mobility AI agent. As a result, drivers using T Map can now speak naturally, as if in everyday conversation, and A.Dot will understand and carry out their requests.

SK Telecom and T Map Mobility announced on the 17th that they have carried out a complete overhaul to integrate the artificial intelligence (AI) service A.Dot into T Map Mobility's navigation service, T Map. Photo by SK Telecom

First, users can now request routes with multiple stops at once. For example, if a driver says, "Stop by a nearby gas station and then go home," the system recognizes both the destination, 'home,' and the stopover, 'gas station,' and guides the driver along the optimal route.

Additionally, even if the driver does not state the exact place name, the system automatically corrects the request and suggests appropriate candidates. For instance, if a driver mistakenly says "Gwangtan-myeon Haengbok Welfare Center" instead of "Gwangtan-myeon Administrative Welfare Center," A.Dot will correct the place name and propose guiding the driver to "Gwangtan-myeon Administrative Welfare Center." Previously, if the name was inaccurate, the voice search would present several similar place names for the driver to select manually.

The information search feature has also been enhanced with the addition of condition- and theme-based search options. Drivers can now search with conditions, such as "Find a cafe with parking," or "Which restaurants are open now?" as well as by themes, like "Take me to a restaurant with a nice atmosphere," or "Tell me a good place to go with children." Upon request, A.Dot provides detailed information about the location, including business hours, menu, and review summaries.

Personalized responses are also possible, reflecting the driver's driving history and favorite locations. If a driver says, "Let's go to the kindergarten," instead of listing all nearby kindergartens and asking the driver to choose, A.Dot will prioritize recommending the kindergarten saved as a favorite.

A.Dot can also provide follow-up answers in a natural, conversational manner. For example, if a driver says, "Take me to a nearby dentist," and then immediately asks, "Tell me if it is open," A.Dot will provide the route to the dentist and check its business hours, replying, "The business hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m."

SK Telecom and T Map Mobility announced on the 17th that they have carried out a complete overhaul to integrate the artificial intelligence (AI) service A.Dot into T Map Mobility's navigation service, T Map. Photo by SK Telecom

Furthermore, a variety of A.Dot's features can be performed by voice, including checking real-time traffic conditions, making phone calls or sending texts, playing music via FLO or Melon, checking the weather or news, viewing schedules, and general searches. Playing all music and checking schedules are available when the driver's A.Dot account is linked with their T Map account.

SK Telecom and T Map Mobility expect this upgrade to minimize driver distraction, creating a safer and more convenient driving environment. The update is available first for the Android operating system app starting from the 17th, and will be rolled out sequentially to the iOS app for iPhones.

Kim Jihoon, Executive Vice President and Head of AI Business Strategy at SK Telecom, said, "By introducing A.Dot to T Map, we aim to move beyond one-way, command-based communication and provide a natural conversational experience that understands the driver's intent. We will continue to advance A.Dot so it can proactively identify user needs and smoothly carry out desired follow-up actions."

Jeon Changgeun, Chief Product Officer (CPO) at T Map Mobility, stated, "With the introduction of A.Dot, we are now able to more intelligently understand and act on users' driving environments and spoken intentions, opening up a conversational mobility AI experience that surpasses traditional navigation usability. Through the advancement of agentic AI, T Map will continue to deliver innovative experiences for our service users."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.