MWC Innovation City to Highlight 5G, IoT Tech

GSMA Innovation City will once again return for Mobile World Congress, and with the event right around the corner, organizers have offered some details on what to expect from exhibitors in its most forward-looking pavilion.

Huawei is likely to raise some eyebrows with a moon landing virtual reality experience and a flying car drone demo. But more subtle demos from other firms will showcase the potential of the Internet of Things, with Cisco planning to demonstrate how connected devices and sensors can improve transportation, fight drought, and reduce waste; and Sierra Wireless slated to show how IoT technology can optimize agriculture and transform everyday services, such as with connected washing machines in a laundromat.

Meanwhile, the emergence of 5G continues to be a major theme, with KT Corporation planning to showcase an operational 5G network with VR and connected car demos.

There are also going to be a number of GSMA-organized showcases in the Innovation City pavilion, including a connected punching bag that can monitor the power of each hit, RCS A2P messaging services enabling users to link up with chatbots, and a 5G-connected football field that will feature robots designed to mimic attendees’ movements.

MWC 2018 is scheduled to run from February 26th to March 1st in Barcelona, with Innovation City open throughout the event in Hall 4 of the Fira Gran Via.