This week in Barcelona, the Mobile World Congress 2026 showcased innovations from over 2,900 participating companies in telecommunications, prominently featuring more than 350 firms from China. The focus of this year's event was a shift towards “embodied AI,” emphasizing physical devices designed to enhance user experiences in real-world settings, as opposed to the previous focus on generative AI software.
Noteworthy highlights included AI-powered glasses, humanoid robots, and advanced mobile hardware that illustrate a strategic realignment among Chinese tech companies towards AI integration. For instance, Honor introduced its “Robot Phone,” which boasts a motorized gimbal camera allowing for 90- and 180-degree rotations, alongside features like object tracking and gesture controls.
Additionally, ZTE presented AI-enhanced smartphones under its Nubia brand, showcasing capabilities like automated social media posting via voice commands. Meanwhile, Lenovo's Motorola unit revealed a foldable AI smartphone concept. The event also marked the debut of Qwen's first AI glasses for consumers, set for sale in China in early March, with plans for a global launch later in the year, offering features such as voice interaction and real-time translation.