During the prestigious Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2025, ZTE Corporation and China Mobile unveiled their groundbreaking AI-driven 5G-Advanced (5G-A) solutions. This announcement heralds a new era in the integration of 5G-A technology with Artificial Intelligence (AI), promising transformative changes across various industries and applications. The innovations presented include ‘Communication-Sensing-Computing-Intelligence’ and ‘Ambient IoT’, both of which signify a significant technological leap forward. These new advancements aim to reshape industries by improving network efficiency and enabling high-precision real-time decision-making. The technology is designed to support the next-generation digital transformation, which is essential for staying competitive in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world.
Revolutionizing Network Efficiency with ‘Communication-Sensing-Computing-Intelligence’
Enhanced Digital Transformation Across Industries
The ‘Communication-Sensing-Computing-Intelligence’ solution introduced by ZTE and China Mobile is poised to revolutionize network efficiency and digitalization across numerous sectors. By merging communication with computing and AI, this innovation offers a robust foundation for industries initiating their digital transformation journey. The solution enhances network efficiency and enables high-precision real-time decision-making. Combining communication and computing allows for a more cohesive approach to handling data and network operations, which is crucial for industries aiming to stay ahead in the digital age.
Industries such as Industrial Internet, smart cities, and intelligent manufacturing can significantly benefit from this integrated approach. Enhanced connectivity and scalable applications become possible, thanks to the sophisticated technology that underpins this solution. For instance, in the context of smart cities, the solution could support a vast array of sensors and devices, leading to improved urban management and resident experiences. By leveraging high-precision perception and intelligent scheduling, the ‘Communication-Sensing-Computing-Intelligence’ solution can also facilitate advancements in intelligent manufacturing, where real-time decision-making is crucial for optimizing production processes and reducing downtime.
Optimizing User Experience and Emerging Applications
By integrating communication with intelligence through AI, this solution transcends traditional network capabilities, effectively optimizing network efficiency and enhancing user experiences. Users can expect more reliable and efficient networks, which are vital for applications such as live streaming, cloud gaming, and high-definition video (HD video). These improvements are particularly significant in the consumer market, where the demand for high-quality, uninterrupted service continues to grow. Enhanced reliability and performance, driven by this advanced technology, ensure that users can enjoy a seamless and immersive experience across various digital platforms.
In the context of emerging applications, the combination of communication and sensing enables high-precision perception and intelligent scheduling. This feature is beneficial for a range of sectors, including smart warehousing and drone-based deliveries. High-precision sensing ensures more accurate data collection and analysis, which can lead to better decision-making and operational efficiencies. For example, in smart warehousing, real-time tracking and monitoring of assets become more efficient, reducing the likelihood of errors and improving overall productivity. Similarly, intelligent scheduling enhances the effectiveness of drone-based deliveries, ensuring timely and precise service in the burgeoning low-altitude economy.
Transforming IoT with 5G-A Ambient IoT Solutions
Introducing Zero-Power Connectivity
In addition to the groundbreaking ‘Communication-Sensing-Computing-Intelligence’ solution, ZTE and China Mobile also introduced the 5G-A Ambient IoT end-to-end solution. This includes Ambient IoT computing base stations, “e-Star” Ambient IoT tags, and the “e-Thing” Ambient IoT management platform. This innovative zero-power IoT solution redefines connectivity and opens up a plethora of new business opportunities in the IoT sector. The idea behind Ambient IoT is to support real-time tracking and monitoring of assets, which is crucial for industries where efficiency and intelligent management are highly valued. By offering a zero-power solution, the technology reduces the overall energy consumption, making it a more sustainable option for businesses looking to minimize their carbon footprint.
Smart manufacturing is a prime example of an industry set to benefit from Ambient IoT. Real-time tracking and monitoring of assets lead to enhanced efficiency and better intelligent management. For instance, the seamless integration of IoT devices enables more accurate inventory management and reduces waste. In a smart campus setting, Ambient IoT facilitates the digital management of assets and personnel, significantly improving everyday digital interactions. This ensures that resources are used more effectively and enhances the overall efficiency of campus operations, creating a more responsive and adaptable environment.
Real-World Applications and Testing
The 5G-A Ambient IoT solution has undergone successful testing in various scenarios, demonstrating its versatility and effectiveness. This includes applications in smart warehousing, smart manufacturing, smart campuses, and smart exhibitions. Each of these scenarios showcases different aspects of the solution’s capabilities, illustrating how it can be adapted to meet the specific needs of diverse industries. The positive results from these tests underscore the potential of Ambient IoT to drive significant advancements in efficiency and innovation.
In smart exhibitions, for example, the ability to track and monitor assets in real-time ensures that valuable items are securely managed and displayed. This provides a higher level of security and management efficiency, which is essential for large-scale events. Similarly, in the context of smart warehouses, the solution enhances inventory accuracy and operational efficiency, making it easier to manage large quantities of goods. The success of these real-world applications indicates a promising future for Ambient IoT, suggesting that it could become a standard feature in many industries looking to innovate and improve their operational capabilities.
Looking Ahead: Implications and Future Prospects
Perspectives from Industry Leaders
During the unveiling at MWC Barcelona, key industry leaders emphasized the importance and potential impact of these technological advancements. Zhang Wanchun, senior vice president of ZTE, highlighted that ‘5G-A x AI’ is integral to high-quality digital economic development. He stressed how ‘Communication-Sensing-Computing-Intelligence’ transforms networks from mere transmission pipelines to intelligent hubs, enhancing network efficiency and enabling advanced applications. This transformation signifies a shift towards smarter, more responsive networks capable of meeting the evolving demands of modern industries.
Huang Yuhong, general manager of China Mobile Research Institute, added that ‘5G-A x AI’ represents a fundamental reconstruction of social productivity. She emphasized China Mobile’s customer-centric approach, driving continuous technological breakthroughs and integrated innovations. This focus is crucial for implementing digital transformation strategies, fostering new productive forces, and ensuring that technological advancements align with the needs of consumers and businesses alike. The perspectives provided by these industry leaders highlight the strategic importance of integrating AI with 5G-A networks and underscore the potential for these technologies to drive significant economic and social change.
The Path Forward: Realizing the Full Potential of 5G-A x AI
The “Communication-Sensing-Computing-Intelligence” solution launched by ZTE and China Mobile is set to transform network efficiency and digitalization across various sectors. By integrating communication, computing, and AI, this innovation creates a solid foundation for industries embarking on their digital transformation journey. The solution enhances network efficiency and enables accurate real-time decision-making. The merger of communication and computing provides a unified method for managing data and network operations, which is vital for industries striving to remain competitive in the digital era.
Industries like the Industrial Internet, smart cities, and intelligent manufacturing stand to gain substantially from this integrated solution. This advanced technology allows for improved connectivity and scalable applications. For example, in smart cities, the solution can support a vast network of sensors and devices, improving urban management and enhancing resident experiences. By utilizing high-precision perception and intelligent scheduling, the ‘Communication-Sensing-Computing-Intelligence’ solution can drive forward intelligent manufacturing, where real-time decision-making is essential for optimizing production and minimizing downtime.