NHN is ushering in an era of AI-based Go training with its self-developed artificial intelligence (AI) program, 'Handol.' The company is leveraging the extensive game data accumulated from its Go services to enhance player development and expand its applications in sports education.
On July 21, NHN provided the 'Handol' AI Go program during a joint training session for the Go event at the 19th Korea-China Youth Sports Exchange held in Iksan, South Korea.
The Korea-China Youth Sports Exchange is an international initiative aimed at fostering friendship between middle school students from Korea and China through sports. This year, Go was added as a new event as part of the 'Future Generation Exchange Activation' agreed upon during the Korea-China summit in January.
During the training, participating students engaged in matches against the AI using the 'Handol Challenge' and 'Handol Level Test.' The Handol Challenge allows users to compete against AI at a professional level, while the Handol Level Test enables players to select a difficulty level that matches their skill among nine tiers.
By utilizing AI, participants can repeatedly play against opponents suited to their skill level and analyze their weaknesses.
Handol is an AI Go program developed by NHN based on the vast user game data accumulated from 'HanGame Go,' which has been operational since 1999. In 2019, it demonstrated its capabilities by achieving two wins out of three matches against Go master Lee Sedol. Since then, it has continuously improved its performance through enhanced reading algorithms and ongoing learning.
NHN explained that its support for the Korea-China Youth Sports Exchange showcases how AI technology can extend beyond gaming into education and sports training.
Seo Hyung-seok, Deputy Director of the Korea Sports Council's Youth Sports Department, stated, 'Go has a more static nature compared to other sports, which posed challenges in developing training programs. The AI-based training program has come as a refreshing approach. I hope to see similar AI training programs introduced in other sports in the future.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.