ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a global leading provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, showcased the transformative power of embodied intelligence through its 5G-A EasyOn·Robot private network at the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC).
In the "Shanghai Longtang-themed Robotics Street" area and Intelligent Terminal Pavilion, ZTE partnered with industry leaders including Droidup (a humanoid robot company), AgiBot (Zhiyuan Robotics), and Sichuan TIANLIAN Robot to showcase multi-robot coordination systems for daily applications, such as real-time voice Q&A, live stage performances, and retailing guidance enabled by the EasyOn·Robot private 5G-A network. The technologies were made available for attendees to interact with, allowing them to observe the transition from laboratory innovations in embodied intelligence to real-world implementations.
A real "Pick-and-Go" experience: 24/7 unmanned convenience store
ZTE and DroidUp's "24-Hour Unmanned Convenience Store" was the focal point of Jointer's exhibit. Built on the 5G-A EasyOn·Robot private network, the store provides an entirely automated shopping experience:
1. Streamlined entry and navigation
Upon arrival, customers are welcomed by service robots that guide them through the aisles and respond to inquiries in real time.
2. Customized suggestions
Exhibition robots engage in real-time conversations with consumers, analyzing their preferences to offer tailored product suggestions.
3. Autonomous checkout and delivery
Specific products are selected and delivered by autonomous delivery robots.
Both robot-to-robot and robot-to-connected retail shelving operate in perfect harmony with "sensing-planning-actuation" cycles that occur within milliseconds. The proof of concept not only validates the effectiveness of distributed swarm intelligence in robot but also marks a significant milestone in the commercial deployment of embodied AI.
5G-A EasyOn·Robot private network performance: breakthrough conventional network limitations
ZTE's 5G-A EasyOn·Robot private network is the focal point of this demonstration, providing:
· Ultra-High throughput: up to 2 Gbps uplink and 6 Gbps downlink
· Ultra-Low latency: consistently under 10ms air-interface delay
· Ultra-High reliability: 99.99% network uptime
These capabilities guarantee the seamless streaming of high-definition video from numerous robots, the exchange of real-time sensor data, and the coordination of high-frequency, precise motions—all of which surpass the hassles deployment of wired network and interference in high-density environments of Wi-Fi signal.
Edge-device synergy framework: pioneering multi-robots' collaboration
The edge-device synergy architecture deeply integrates robotics, high-performance 5G-A private networks, and edge computing nodes. This foundation effectively enables intelligent interconnection and distributed collaboration among multiple robots and physical objects like connected retail shelving:
· Seamless mobility assurance:
Leveraging store-wide coverage from the 5G-A private network and AI beam-tracking technology, robots maintain uninterrupted connectivity throughout the store. This enables multi-robot systems to move freely during customer consultations, product selection, and checkout, ensuring a smooth and continuous interactive experience.
· Efficient robotic coordination:
Leveraging the ultra-low latency and high bandwidth of 5G-A, edge nodes monitor real-time robot status. Tasks are dynamically allocated through intelligent scheduling algorithms and unified communication protocols. Robots exhibit high efficiency "team intelligence" by collaboratively executing interactions, including precision product recommendations, in-depth customer service, and shopping guidance.
· Automated human-goods flow:
The edge-device framework enables the exchange of real-time multidimensional data—including location, motion status, and inventory—between connected retail shelving and delivery robots. The entire process, from product selection to transfer, is automated using robotic fine-motion control and integrated visual perception, resulting in a seamless "pick-and-go" retail closure.
Paving the way for smart retail and beyond
This demonstration of an unmanned convenience store completes a full business-process cycle for future retail and emphasizes three critical innovations:
· End-to-end unmanned operation
In retail environments, robots provide a seamless service that encompasses all stages of the process, from store entry to interaction, recommendation, and delivery, thereby achieving genuinely unmanned intelligent operations.
· Collective intelligence breakthrough:
The dynamic edge-device framework enables heterogeneous robotic groups (large, medium, and small) to accomplish efficient swarm intelligence collaboration, thereby significantly increasing team productivity and enabling complex scenario applications.
· Replicable implementation paradigms:
This solution offers a rapidly scalable deployment template for future smart retail, intelligent warehousing, logistics, and industry-wide intelligent transformation, demonstrating demonstrated technical feasibility and commercial viability.
ZTE has demonstrated that embodied intelligence, which is powered by edge-to-end 5G-A, is prepared to transition from the laboratory to real-world business contexts by collaborating with leader robotics partners at WAIC. The 5G-A EasyOn·Robot, a foundational network and technological framework, facilitates millisecond-level "sensing-planning-actuation" cooperation in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and retail. ZTE is committed to transforming robot swarms from isolated breakthroughs to system-wide impact through ongoing ecosystem collaboration. This will herald in a new era of interconnected intelligent agents and drive high-quality economic and social development.
Embodied intelligence was the central theme of the WAIC, with more than 800 cutting-edge companies participating and over 3,000 innovative achievements on display. The conference featured fierce competition among 60+ robot models and over 200 units, driving substantial technological breakthroughs and industry progress.
