IoT Takes the Spotlight at Mobile World Congress 2025

Barcelona once again became the epicenter of technological innovation as the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 gathered the world ot telcos, software, blockchain, and more in the beautiful city. The event placed the Internet of Things (IoT) at the heart of its discussions and showcases, together with AI and future of telecom services. With over 109,000 attendees from 205 countries and territories, this year’s event set the stage for groundbreaking advancements in connectivity, automation, and AI-driven solutions.

MWC25 at a Glance

The expo and conference saw participation from more than 2,900 exhibitors, sponsors, and partners, while over 1,200 speakers and thought leaders—41% of whom were women—took to the stage to discuss the future of mobile technology. Among them Garry Kasparov, Steve Wozniak, Arthur Mensch, Ray Kurzweil and other famous names.

The GSMA Ministerial Programme attracted 188 delegations from 148 countries, alongside over 60 ministers and 111 regulatory heads, highlighting the growing importance of technology in shaping global policies. Meanwhile, 4YFN (4 Years From Now), the startup-focused platform, welcomed over 1,000 exhibitors, nearly 380 speakers, and 900+ investors, managing a collective fund of €60 billion.

Connected Cars – From Flying Racing Cars to Remote Driving with Nokia

One of the standout demonstrations at MWC25 was the collaboration between Nokia and Elmo, which allowed visitors to remotely drive a car located 2,500 miles away in Finland. By integrating Nokia’s Quality on Demand (QoD) capability from the Network as Code platform, users could safely maneuver the vehicle at speeds of up to 42 km/h—without a single collision reported so far. This innovation underscores the potential of IoT-powered remote operations in transportation and logistics.

Next-Gen Law Enforcement: Smart Squad Cars

At this year’s MWC Catalonia’s autonomous police force, the Mossos d’Esquadra, introduced their next-generation squad car, featuring a drone integrated directly into the vehicle’s roof. This high-tech enhancement allows officers to launch and retract the drone at high speeds, providing instant aerial surveillance without the need for manual piloting. Innovation, highlighting how smart mobility and automation are transforming public safety and emergency response systems.

Smart Factories: Robotics and AI Take Center Stage

The MWC Main Stage witnessed a futuristic display as ‘Digit’, a humanoid robot from Agility Robotics, made its debut. Obeying live commands from CEO Peggy Johnson, the robot demonstrated its capabilities in factory automation. Johnson emphasized that while humanoid robots have a promising future in home environments, safety remains the biggest challenge to overcome before widespread adoption.

Gamifying AI: IBM’s Smart Sports Experience

At IBM’s booth in Hall 2, sports enthusiasts had a chance to test their table football and ping pong skills—with an AI twist. Using advanced sensors, IBM’s system analyzed players’ techniques, matching them with professional athletes from Sevilla FC or tennis pros. Additionally, the AI provided real-time recommendations to help players improve their performance, showcasing the potential of AI-driven training in sports and entertainment.

A Bright Future for IoT

“The best news is that we’re still innovating. We are not done yet. Quite the opposite.” – Mats Granryd, Director General, GSMA said during the event. MWC25 in Barcelona reaffirmed that the Internet of Things is no longer just a concept—it is actively reshaping industries, public services, and everyday life. As IoT continues to evolve, the innovations showcased at this year’s congress provide a glimpse into a more connected, efficient, and intelligent future.