LG Uplus presented an expanded vision of its AI agent “ixi-O” at MWC26, demonstrating how voice-based artificial intelligence can connect with humanoid robots and smart devices to automate everyday tasks.
In one scenario shown during the event, a man speaking with his wife explains that he must travel to Busan on short notice for work. Before the call even ends, the AI agent ixi-O understands the context of the conversation. The system automatically reschedules the couple’s restaurant reservation while a humanoid robot waiting at home retrieves a suitcase and begins packing clothes.
The demonstration illustrated how conversational AI and robotics could seamlessly work together to reduce daily inconveniences.
LG Uplus has been developing ixi-O as an AI call agent capable of understanding call context, detecting voice phishing attempts and searching information in real time. At MWC26, the company introduced an expanded “Ambient AI” concept that goes beyond smartphones to connect wearables, smart glasses, vehicles, home IoT devices and humanoid robots. The goal is to evolve telecom networks themselves into platforms capable of executing AI-driven actions.
A key highlight of the showcase was the integration of ixi-O with physical AI systems. The next-generation version of the agent operates through multiple stages: voice recognition, emotion and context analysis, risk and need assessment, action recommendation and execution, and result reporting. Rather than simply responding to commands, the system can interpret situations within conversations and proactively take appropriate actions.
The live demonstration utilized a humanoid robot developed by Korean robotics company Airobot. For example, if a business trip is mentioned during a call with family members, ixi-O can adjust existing appointments and evaluate what items are needed based on the destination’s weather. Tasks such as picking up dry-cleaned clothing, preparing luggage and sending relevant notifications are then automatically carried out through coordination with the robot.
Another example showed how the system could detect subtle changes in an elderly family member’s voice tone or conversational patterns. If emotional irregularities are identified, the AI could recommend contacting the family member and connect to services such as music, photo sharing or lifestyle assistance.
The concept aligns with the vision outlined by LG Uplus CEO Hong Beom-sik during his MWC26 keynote speech, where he emphasized the importance of voice as the most human form of communication. He noted that AI call agents will evolve beyond simple assistants into systems capable of understanding conversational context and acting autonomously.
LG Uplus plans to expand its AI ecosystem through partnerships with global telecom operators and technology partners while continuing to advance the capabilities of the ixi-O platform.
Choi Yoon-ho, Executive Vice President and Head of the AI Business Group at LG Uplus, said the company demonstrated at MWC26 how telecom-based voice AI combined with physical AI can translate conversations into real-world actions.
“Going forward, we will continue developing ixi-O and gradually expand services so that physical AI can be applied to customers’ everyday environments,” Choi said.
