China’s digital economy continues to gain momentum as next-generation network technologies transition from pilot projects to large-scale deployment. Recently in Shanghai, China Telecom and ZTE announced the successful rollout of a 5G-Advanced (5G-A) MobileTurbo solution designed to support the widespread application of AR smart glasses across enterprise and consumer scenarios. The initiative marks an important step in accelerating the commercialization of AR technology and strengthening China’s intelligent infrastructure ecosystem.
The solution is built on a collaborative three-tier intelligent computing architecture known as “5G + AI cloud-edge-end,” which integrates cloud computing, edge intelligence, and terminal devices into a unified system. By combining deterministic 5G-A connectivity with AI-driven resource scheduling, the platform delivers stable, low-latency, and high-reliability network services tailored to real-time AR applications. This approach upgrades traditional best-effort networks into refined, scenario-oriented connection services, providing strong technical support for AR at scale.
A central component of the system is a high-fidelity digital twin platform powered by intelligent prediction and supply-demand matching technologies. Through continuous real-time analysis, network and computing resources are precisely allocated based on service requirements. This refined management model enables consistent performance for AR applications under high mobility and data-intensive conditions, supporting uplink speeds of no less than 20 Mbps and maintaining air-interface latency below 20 milliseconds. These capabilities fully meet the demanding requirements of AR glasses for high-definition video transmission, real-time interaction, and precise spatial coordination.
Edge AI adaptive technology further enhances system performance. By dynamically balancing computing workloads across cloud and edge nodes, the solution improves AI processing efficiency by more than 20 percent. This allows complex AI tasks—such as real-time image recognition, spatial analysis, and intelligent interaction—to be executed reliably and at scale. The result is a robust technical foundation for expanding AR adoption across multiple sectors of China’s economy.
In industrial applications, the 5G-A MobileTurbo solution is redefining smart inspection and maintenance workflows. Workers equipped with AR smart glasses can operate hands-free while transmitting real-time first-person video feeds to centralized command centers. Leveraging ultra-low latency connectivity and AI-based scheduling, remote experts can provide instant annotated guidance and decision support. This digitized inspection process transforms on-site operations, improves safety and efficiency, and converts expert experience into reusable digital assets—supporting higher-quality industrial productivity and long-term technological upgrading.
The solution is also delivering new value in China’s cultural tourism sector. In smart tourism scenarios such as cruises along Shanghai’s Huangpu River, AR smart glasses provide immersive, context-aware experiences for visitors. AI-powered functions include real-time multilingual translation, location-based content activation, and intelligent visual overlays that respond dynamically to user focus. Large-model integration enables instant question-and-answer interactions, allowing visitors to explore historical and cultural narratives more deeply. These innovations enhance service quality, enrich cultural storytelling, and contribute to the digital upgrading of China’s tourism industry.
The collaboration between China Telecom and ZTE reflects a broader trend in China’s 5G-A and AI development—shifting from technology validation toward large-scale industrial and commercial implementation. By deeply integrating AI scheduling with 5G-A network capabilities, the solution optimizes resource utilization and lowers deployment barriers for AR applications. This creates favorable conditions for ecosystem growth across hardware manufacturing, software development, content creation, and network services.
As 5G-A networks continue to expand and AI technologies evolve, lightweight AR smart glasses are expected to become increasingly integrated into industrial operations, public services, and consumer experiences. The deployment highlights China’s ability to transform advanced communication and intelligence technologies into practical applications, reinforcing the role of AR as a key driver of digitalization, economic growth, and technological innovation in the next stage of China’s digital economy.