ZTE 5G-A EasyOn·Robot private network facilitates multi-robot collaboration at WAIC 2025

ZTE Corporation 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:

• 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.

• Customized suggestions

Exhibition robots engage in real-time conversations with consumers, analyzing their preferences to offer tailored product suggestions.

• 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.

Source：Mobile World Live