LG engineers gather to discuss uses for AI

Software developers from LG Electronics gathered to share expertise and ideas on artificial intelligence and other developing technologies on Thursday.

Some 600 developers from affiliates of Korea’s second-large electronics firm attended the third Software Engineers’ Energizing Day, or SEED, at the newly-built LG Science Park in Magok-dong, western Seoul. The main topics discussed at this year’s SEED included blockchain, robotics and AI technologies, as well as possible opportunities for their application.

The keynote speech, given by the head of LG’s software engineering research center, Eom Wi-sang, was titled “The road to cooperation,” demonstrating the chaebol’s willingness to collaborate with other companies to further technological development and innovation.

During the Ignite talks, where speakers have five minutes to talk using 20 slides, developers also shared their personal experiences on a variety of topics ranging from life as working moms to boosting confidence and making life less complicated.

“This is an event where developers can deepen their knowledge of AI and robotics,” said LG Electronics Chief Technology Officer Park Il-pyung. “I hope increased communication between developers will lead to more innovation.”

The launch of SEED is in line with efforts by LG Electronics to incorporate AI and big data technologies into its products to gain an edge against domestic and foreign competitors.

LG’s newest smartphones are equipped with artificial intelligence cameras that can automatically identify objects and recommend the best resolution for taking pictures. Its OLED televisions also feature AI functions where users can switch channels and adjust audio volumes through voice command.

In the past two years, LG Electronics has also been beefing up its investment in the robotics sector. It acquired a 30 percent stake in local industrial robot manufacturer Robostar this week and already has guide robots it developed operating in Incheon International Airport and Starfield Hanam mall in Gyeonggi.

“I hope our company will lead the fourth industrial revolution by adopting futuristic technologies and cooperating with other companies to offer a better life for consumers,” said LG Electronics CEO Jo Seong-jin.

BY KIM EUN-JIN [kim.eunjin1@joongang.co.kr]