The Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, the world’s premier wireless technology fair, showcased many groundbreaking gadgets and innovations. This year’s event featured ultra-realistic humanoid robots, temperature-sensitive colour-changing smartphones, advanced smart contact lenses, and more, reflecting the rapid technological advancements.
Contents
- 1 Ultra-Realistic Humanoid Robots
- 2 Remote Vehicle Operation
- 3 Temperature-Sensitive Color-Changing Smartphones
- 4 Advanced Smart Contact Lenses
- 5 Solar-Powered Laptops
- 6 AI-Powered Ophthalmological Tool: ‘Cat Eye’
- 7 Innovative Display Technologies
- 8 Modular Smartphone Cameras
- 9 AI Integration in Smartphones
Ultra-Realistic Humanoid Robots
Among the standout exhibits was Amira, an ultra-lifelike humanoid robot developed by Engineered Arts. While Amira’s movements remain recognizably slow and jerky, the robot’s creators have designed it to imitate human features with high fidelity. Elliott White of Engineered Arts mentioned that Amira could be connected to any generative AI large language model to facilitate interactions with people.
Remote Vehicle Operation
The concept of remote driving took centre stage at MWC 2025. Visitors had the opportunity to test-drive a vehicle 3,000 kilometres away in Finland, thanks to a setup by Estonian firm Elmo in collaboration with Nokia. The system consisted of a simple wheel and screens, allowing users to control cars equipped with custom controllers and multiple cameras remotely.
Temperature-Sensitive Color-Changing Smartphones
Chinese manufacturer Realme introduced a smartphone that changes colour based on external temperature. The body of its 14 Pro line, textured to resemble a seashell, is infused with thermochromic pigments that shift to blue below 16 degrees Celsius (61 Fahrenheit) and revert to white when it gets warmer. However, Realme acknowledges that this decorative feature may have a limited lifespan due to daily use.
Advanced Smart Contact Lenses
Dubai-based startup Xpanceo is pushing the boundaries of wearable technology by developing smart contact lenses. These lenses aim to incorporate features such as an extended reality display, health monitoring, and wireless power reception. Demonstrator models at their stand showcased proofs of concept for each capability to integrate them into a single prototype device by the end of 2026. The devices are relatively bulky, but plans are underway to miniaturize components using two-dimensional materials that are only one atom thick.
Solar-Powered Laptops
Lenovo unveiled its Yoga Solar laptop, which integrates solar panels into the lid to extend battery life. The laptop’s 84 solar cells can absorb and convert sunlight, even when not exposed to direct rays. According to Lenovo, 20 minutes of solar charging can provide up to an hour of video playback. The device also features a power monitoring system to manage when the solar panel contributes to the laptop’s power needs.
AI-Powered Ophthalmological Tool: ‘Cat Eye’
Spanish mobile operator Telefonica partnered with startup Edgendria Innovacion to develop the “Cat Eye” tool in healthcare technology. This device enables users to conduct self-administered ophthalmological exams to determine if they have severe cataracts that require surgical intervention. By analyzing simple photos of each eye through an AI-powered platform, “Cat Eye” assists doctors in delegating specific tasks to their teams, ensuring timely interventions and optimizing the use of medical professionals’ time.
Innovative Display Technologies
Samsung captivated attendees with its unique screen concepts, including a Switch-style portable gaming handheld that folds in half for storage and a foldable briefcase screen. The gaming handheld features vibrant colours and portability, while the briefcase screen offers a glimpse into potential future applications of foldable display technology. Another intriguing concept was an asymmetrical Z Flip-style phone, dubbed “The Claw,” which closes with two hinges, leaving part of the inner screen visible.
Modular Smartphone Cameras
Xiaomi and Realme unveiled innovative concept phones that aim to bridge the gap between smartphones and DSLRs with significantly more extensive and advanced cameras. Xiaomi’s 15 Ultra features a modular optical system with a magnetic ring that attaches custom lenses, including a 35mm lens with a 100-megapixel 4/3-type sensor, promising better photo quality due to increased light capture. Realme’s concept includes a DSLR lens mount, allowing users to attach full DSLR lenses, with a system currently supporting a 73mm portrait and a 234mm telephoto lens.
AI Integration in Smartphones
At MWC 2025, various tech companies showcased new gadgets and innovations. Highlights include Xiaomi’s 15 Ultra, a top-tier smartphone featuring exceptional camera capabilities and AI integration. The company also introduced new tablets, earbuds, and smartwatches. Nothing revealed two budget-friendly smartphones, the Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro, while Honor unveiled a new watch, earbuds, and an AI agent capable of performing tasks like booking restaurant tables. HMD launched the Fusion X1, a smartphone for teens with safety features, and new feature phones. Tecno presented the ultra-slim Spark Slim concept, while Google demonstrated a video upgrade for its Gemini Live AI assistant. Lenovo showcased innovative laptop concepts, and Samsung Display featured advanced display technologies. Realme’s 14 Pro+ impressed with high specs at a midrange price, and Deutsche Telecom demonstrated a circular router prototype using recycled components. Lastly, Motorola announced updates for its Smart Connect system with AI enhancements.
