Summary of Key Highlights
During MWC2026, Pudong Jinqiao showcased a “demonstration of unmanned equipment collaboration” (unmanned boats → drones → autonomous vehicles → humanoid robots completing item transportation in 30 minutes). This feat reflects Jinqiao’s leading role in exploring the industrialization path of a “new communication technology + fully autonomous system across all spaces” nationwide. This approach connects companies within the unmanned equipment ecosystem through advanced communication technologies such as 5G, laser communication, and high-precision positioning to create a collaborative network. Additionally, Pudong has gathered over 50 key enterprises in the satellite internet sector, aiming to seize a competitive advantage in the 6G era. Unmanned vehicles, drones, and humanoid robots are expected to be commercialized between 2027 and 2029, but challenges remain in terms of communication reliability testing and the establishment of unified industry standards.
Detailed Explanation
1. The Unmanned Collaboration Demonstration: How Does Jinqiao’s “Fully Autonomous System” Work?
The 30-minute “unmanned relay” was no mere spectacle. It began with unmanned boats delivering goods on the surface of Jinqiao Lake, continued with drones transferring the items in the air, and ended with autonomous vehicles picking up the cargo and humanoid robots making precise deliveries at the exhibition site. The entire process resembled an “unmanned version of logistics and delivery.” Behind this were efforts by Jinqiao to integrate the equipment from various companies within the ecosystem (those specializing in unmanned boats, drones, and robots) through new communication technologies into a centralized “cloud-based control system” that enables them to understand and work together seamlessly. According to the Jinqiao Administration, this is the first initiative in China to explore the industrialization of “new communication technology + fully autonomous systems,” essentially creating a shared command center for all unmanned devices.
2. New Communication Technologies: The “Central Nervous System” of the Intelligent Era
New communication technologies can be seen as the “nervous system” that enables unmanned equipment to function effectively. Without them, drones and boats would not be able to exchange information, and autonomous vehicles would not know where to wait for their next instructions. The report mentions that these technologies have connected all aspects of the unmanned equipment ecosystem, from chips (such as AI chips) to end-user devices (autonomous vehicles and robots), as well as related testing services. Ten companies participated in this initiative, including China Mobile’s Research Institute, which focused on 5G technology; Spectral Domain Technology, which developed laser communication systems; and Shouzheng Communication, which specialized in high-precision positioning. Together, these technologies ensure that unmanned devices can communicate accurately and reliably without any disruptions.
3. Satellite Internet: Pudong’s Efforts to Gain a Competitive Edge in the 6G Era
The global community is accelerating efforts in satellite internet development, which involves launching numerous satellites into space to provide global coverage similar to terrestrial base stations. This is crucial for the 6G standard, as it aims to achieve integrated communication between ground and space-based networks. Pudong has already gathered more than 50 key enterprises in this field, capable of supporting the construction and operation of large-scale satellite constellations. This will enable unmanned devices to communicate even in remote areas without terrestrial 5G coverage, relying on these satellites. In this regard, Pudong is at the forefront of innovation.
4. The Road to Commercialization: Two Critical Challenges
A Goldman Sachs study suggests that robots (including autonomous vehicles, drones, and humanoid robots) in China may become commercially viable between 2027 and 2029. However, two major challenges need to be addressed:
- Communication Reliability Testing: For unmanned devices to work together efficiently, their communication systems must be reliable. A company called Xinghe Liangdian, which has recently settled in Pudong, has established a testing facility to assess the reliability of communication between different types of unmanned equipment (e.g., ensuring that drones and vehicles can communicate without interruptions).
- Unified Industry Standards: Currently, there is no global consensus on the standards for the coordination of unmanned devices. Similar to the need for standardized charging ports across smartphone brands, unified communication protocols are essential to ensure interoperability between different devices. Xinghe Liangdian is collaborating with industry stakeholders to develop such standards.
5. Expert Insights: Systemic Collaboration is Key to Large-Scale Commercialization
Academician Jin Yaqiu from Fudan University emphasizes that the characteristics of the intelligent era include the integration of multiple technologies. New communication technologies, satellite systems, and unmanned equipment must be integrated into a cohesive system. Only when all components work together can unmanned systems move from limited-scale demonstrations to widespread commercial applications. This is precisely what Jinqiao’s efforts aim to achieve—developing a comprehensive ecosystem rather than focusing on individual types of unmanned devices.
In Conclusion
What Pudong is doing is laying the foundation for the future world of unmanned technology: using new communication technologies to connect devices, satellite networks to expand coverage, testing facilities to ensure reliability, and standardized protocols to establish clear guidelines. Once these aspects are in place, we may see unmanned devices playing their respective roles in our daily lives within the next three to five years—unmanned boats delivering parcels to residential areas, drones picking up goods at doorsteps, and autonomous vehicles completing the final leg of deliveries, with humanoid robots assisting with indoor transportation. This is not just science fiction; it could become a reality soon.