The Asia mobile ecosystem is undergoing a rapid transformation driven by advanced connectivity and intelligent systems.
Speaking at MWC Shanghai 2026, Vivek Badrinath, director general of the GSMA, highlighted three emerging sectors that are shaping the future of the region. He stated that the mobile industry has transitioned from connecting people to coordinating intelligent systems at scale.
1. Humanoid Robotics and Embodied AI in the Asia Mobile Ecosystem
Robotics and embodied artificial intelligence are moving from production laboratories into the real economy. Badrinath noted that these applications depend on advanced connectivity to function across factories, restaurants, airports, and homes.
Several Chinese operators are already demonstrating progress in this field. For instance, China Mobile is developing robots to support order collection, preparation, and delivery in the hospitality sector. Meanwhile, China Telecom is collaborating with AgiBot on a Robotics-as-a-Service model for aviation and logistics. In the chemical industry, China Unicom is deploying robots to inspect and diagnose hazards in dangerous environments.
2. The Rapid Growth of the Low-Altitude Economy
The low-altitude economy, which includes drones and unmanned aerial vehicles, represents another major opportunity for the Asia mobile ecosystem. China currently has more than 3 million registered drones, with thousands operating simultaneously during peak periods. In 2025, total flight times exceeded 45 million hours, representing a 70 percent increase compared to 2024.
To support this growth, operators are deploying drones for diverse industrial use cases. China Mobile uses drones for site inspections at power stations, solar farms, and railways. China Telecom utilizes them to monitor air quality and detect pollution in Nanjing, while China Unicom supports blood supply transport to hospitals in Anyang. Consequently, all three operators are building platforms to monitor airspace and support safer operations.
3. Intelligent and Software-Defined Vehicles
Vehicles are evolving into intelligent, software-defined vehicles that are fully connected to the world around them. Within the Asia mobile ecosystem, Chinese operators are actively driving this technological shift through distinct initiatives.
Specifically, China Mobile is building an AI network that connects user devices, vehicles, and smart home environments. China Telecom is integrating non-terrestrial networks into vehicles to support remote maintenance and emergency connectivity. Furthermore, China Unicom is developing Vehicle-to-Everything capabilities to enable hazard detection and vehicle-to-vehicle communications.
4. The Future of Collaborative Infrastructure
The GSMA director general emphasized that building this connected future requires active participation from multiple stakeholders. He issued a call to action for continued collaboration between mobile operators, technology companies, industry partners, and governments.
“If we get that collaboration right, I’m confident the most transformative applications are still to come.”
Vivek Badrinath, Director General of the GSMA
Ultimately, the success of these emerging sectors will depend on secure, intelligent, and uninterrupted connectivity across the region.
