GSMA MWC26 Shanghai Opens Doors as AI, Robotics, and Drones Lead Packed Agenda

24 June 2026, Shanghai – MWC26 Shanghai, Asia’s largest and most influential connectivity event, officially opened today at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), as the global mobile ecosystem convenes in China for a landmark 13th edition of keynotes, summits and live showcases.

Hosted by John Hoffman, CEO of GSMA Ltd., and Sihan Bo Chen, Head of Greater China at the GSMA, MWC Shanghai’s opening ceremony featured a surprise appearance from Vita Boy and Flash, two humanoid robots developed by HONOR. Flash, winner of this April’s Beijing Yizhuang Humanoid Robot Half Marathon and breaker of the human half marathon record, was joined by Vita Boy live on-stage to help officially open this year’s event.

In his opening keynote, Vivek Badrinath, Director General of the GSMA, spotlighted humanoid robotics, the low-altitude economy and autonomous vehicles as three of the most exciting frontiers emerging from Asia’s mobile ecosystem, underlining the importance of telco infrastructure in powering the continent’s intelligent and connected future.

Vivek Badrinath, Director General, GSMA, said: “Not so long ago, our core mission was connecting people and devices. That of course remains essential but is no longer the full story. Today, operators are partnering with industries to enable robots, drones, connected vehicles, and AI solutions across the economy. They have become strategic digital partners in their own right. And this week at MWC Shanghai, there is real excitement about what comes next – the new services, new capabilities and new possibilities still to be unlocked.”

New this year, MWC Shanghai introduces the Mobile AI Innovation Frontiers zone, featuring the debut of the Humanoid Robot Football Penalties Challenge. Kick off commences with an opening ceremony from 13:30 on 24 June, culminating in the semi-finals and finals from 09:30 on 25 June, followed by a Robot Celebration Party. Also new for 2026, the Constellations of the Future satellite industry zone; a live Formula E showcase bringing electric racing to the show floor; and the first-ever GLOMO Awards Asia.

MWC26 will also welcome a number of returning favourites, including the global startup platform 4YFN and the GSMA Policy Leaders Forum.

John Hoffman, CEO of GSMA Ltd., said: “The best way to understand the energy and innovation in the region's mobile sector right now is to spend an immersive hour on the show floor here in Shanghai. Humanoid robots, AI-powered devices, and unmanned systems: none of this happens without the connectivity infrastructure underneath it. We’re only just getting started, and the next three days are going to be something special.”

Mobile Economy China 2026 report

Yesterday, the GSMA published the Mobile Economy China 2026 report, with findings revealing China now accounts for more than 40% of global 5G connections. 5G-Advanced is now commercialised across more than 330 mainland cities, surpassing 30 million users. Mobile technologies generated $1.5 trillion in economic value in China during 2025, projected to reach $2.1 trillion by 2030. Find out more here.

Follow the latest news live from MWC26 Shanghai on our Press Zone.
 

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About GSMA 

The GSMA is a global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop and deliver innovation foundational to positive business environments and societal change. Our vision is to unlock the full power of connectivity so that people, industry, and society thrive. Representing mobile operators and organisations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA delivers for its members across three broad pillars: Connectivity for Good, Industry Services and Solutions, and Outreach. This activity includes advancing policy, tackling today’s biggest societal challenges, underpinning the technology and interoperability that make mobile work, and providing the world’s largest platform to convene the mobile ecosystem at the MWC and M360 series of events. We invite you to find out more at gsma.com

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