SK Telecom and BGF Retail Enter Business Agreement for Convenience Store Distribution Services Using 'NUGU'
New store staff can easily operate stores and resolve difficulties

SK Telecom and BGF Retail announced that they have signed a memorandum of understanding regarding 'AI convenience store distribution services' at T Tower.

NUGU, an artificial intelligence (AI) device, will be deployed to support the work efficiency and customer service of CU convenience store staff in 24-hour convenience stores where staff changes occur day and night, and various promotions and events are conducted regularly.

Accordingly, the two companies plan to develop an 'artificial intelligence (AI) assistant' service that allows CU convenience store staff to inquire about matters they are curious about, introduce a pilot service in the first half of next year, and then expand its application.

Until now, when store staff had questions during convenience store operations, they had to contact headquarters directly or search on a computer. Now they can simply ask NUGU verbally and receive answers.

For example, if a store staff member asks, 'Aria, how much is the parcel delivery charge from Seoul to Jeju?' then NUGU responds, 'Yes, it varies by weight, but the minimum standard of 350g or less is 5,800 won.' and immediately provides the information.

Additionally, when headquarters has promotions or announcements, NUGU's mood light notifies store staff so they can easily check the relevant information.

The two companies will also provide a 'reporting service in case of emergency situations in-store' using the NUGU AI device, and have agreed to cooperate on discovering new AI-based business models in the future.

A BGF Retail official stated, "Since convenience stores are characterized by frequent staff turnover, when the 'AI assistant' service is deployed in stores, new staff can easily begin working in the store, and we expect it to help not only improve store operation efficiency but also enhance customer service."

Since its launch in September last year, NUGU has introduced approximately 20 types of services and is providing the most lifestyle convenience services among domestic AI devices. Through providing convenience store distribution services this time, it has further expanded its service scope.

In particular, NUGU has so far focused on personal and home-use services such as music, weather, and professional baseball game results. This time, it is expected to be deployed in convenience stores outside the home.

SK Telecom's Lee Sang-ho, Head of AI Business Division, stated, "We hope to expand opportunities for CU store staff and customers to experience AI services," and added, "We hope that the two companies will cooperate to continue enhancing AI-based convenience store distribution services."