Signed MoU with Intel for Joint R&D of IoT Devices Utilizing WebRTC
Goal: To provide real-time communication capabilities to all internet-connected objects, excluding PCs and smartphones.

SK Telecom announced on the 17th that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Intel, the world's largest semiconductor chip manufacturer, for the joint development of innovative IoT devices equipped with real-time communication technology.

SK Telecom CTO Jin-Sung Choi and Intel’s Michael A. Greene, VP of the Software Solutions Group, attended the signing ceremony held at the Intel Developer Forum (IDF) in San Francisco, USA on the 17th (16th local time).

'WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication)' is a technology that enables the real-time transmission of video, audio, and data in web browsers, and is a next-generation web standard technology established by the 'W3C (World Wide Web Consortium)'. If this technology is applied to IoT devices, video and audio communication becomes possible without using a smartphone.


For example, if an online shopping mall or a delivery company uses this technology to create IoT devices dedicated to ordering, customers can easily order desired items and make calls with just a click of a button.

The two companies are jointly developing technology that enables the application of WebRTC to Intel's IoT device build board, 'Edison,' and plan to expand the scope of WebRTC, which has been limited to PCs and smartphones, to various IoT devices.

SK Telecom unveiled 'PlayRTC' in Korea for the first time last December, an upgraded version of 'WebRTC' designed to be easier to commercialize. By using 'PlayRTC', communication services can be launched and operated easily and quickly at a low cost without the need for expensive server setups, enabling the creation of new business models.

Both companies plan to actively contribute to revitalizing the IoT development ecosystem, including providing 'WebRTC' development tools (WebRTC SDK for x86 CPUs) to developers free of charge through their respective developer centers.

"We hope that PlayRTC will be utilized as a tool for innovation across various industrial sectors, including O2O, commerce, toys, and smart factories," said Cha In-hyuk, Head of the Platform Technology Institute at SK Telecom. "We plan to continue R&D collaborations with developers, small and medium-sized enterprises, and venture companies to enhance the usability of IoT devices and provide customers with a differentiated calling experience."

Intel Vice President Michael Green stated, “We will create an environment where customers can fully utilize Intel’s technology by providing software optimized for IoT devices,” adding, “Based on the IoT service development experience and WebRTC technology possessed by both companies, we will continue our efforts to develop and commercialize innovative IoT devices capable of real-time communication.”

Meanwhile, SK Telecom is leveraging the characteristics of a mobile carrier that possesses differentiated competitiveness in performance and quality—the most important elements in communication—to collaborate with various industries and develop services that enable customers to communicate conveniently and enjoyably.

On June 7, SK Telecom signed a memorandum of understanding with Toobisoft, a system software development and supply company, for the development and supply of a simple ordering IoT device for store owners in Dongdaemun Fashion Town. With this device, store owners in Dongdaemun Fashion Town can call a delivery driver via the IoT device 'One Click' to make reservations, place orders, and make calls.

In addition, in May, we completed the joint development of a voice-communicating toy prototype with 'EduChallenge,' a manufacturer of educational toys for infants and toddlers. Children can call their parents through the toy, and parents can remotely operate functions such as voice guidance for habit formation and storytelling via smartphone.

SK Telecom's 'PlayRTC' is also attracting attention from overseas startups. China's HEYI has been using 'PlayRTC' in 'Pandarin,' a service that provides 1:1 private tutoring to Chinese language learners worldwide, since 2015.