UPC Technological Innovation Stands Out at MWC Barcelona 2025

The Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya - BarcelonaTech (UPC), through the UPC Technology Center (CIT UPC), has once again been present at MWC Barcelona 2025, the largest and most influential congress on technology and connectivity, taking place from 3 to 6 March at the Gran Via venue of Fira de Barcelona. At a stand located in the Catalan Government’s pavilion (Congress Square, CS220, booth 27), the University has showcased its technological capabilities, demos and prototypes of projects, and advanced solutions in fields such as AI, smart connectivity, connected mobility, 5G, connected industries, and security in mobile technologies.

Among other technologies (see the UPC portfolio of projects and prototypes at MWC), three prototypes developed at the university were exhibited:

→ MyGAIT project: an intelligent orthopaedic insole capable of measuring body force and movement to estimate cardiovascular variability in Parkinson’s patients. This insole can provide objective data on the patient’s progress and help doctors prescribe more personalised and effective treatment, thereby improving their quality of life. Developed by the UPC’s Instrumentation, Sensors, and Interfaces Research Group (ISI), in collaboration with researchers from the University of Zaragoza, the insole will help prevent falls and freezing of gait, as well as enhance the effectiveness of physiotherapy and pharmacological treatments for patients.

→ 6G-EWOC project: a network that, by combining artificial intelligence with 6G technologies, remote sensing systems, and optical communication (both wireless and fibre-optic), enables vehicles—both autonomous and human-driven—to travel safely and avoid potential accidents in high-traffic or crowded areas. The system detects objects, other vehicles, or pedestrians in the surroundings and accurately determines their distance, speed, and direction. It provides a detailed, comprehensive, and real-time updated map to ensure the safest possible driving conditions.

The platform demonstration at MWC included a computer and a small car to illustrate the operation of a real-time traffic signal detection system in controlled urban environments. By employing secure video transmission and deep learning algorithms, the system efficiently detected and processed traffic signals, leveraging edge computing nodes to make real-time decisions. This testbed would be available to companies from 2026. Several research groups from the Centre for Broadband Communications (CCABA) were involved in the development of this network.

→ ELEGANT and 6G-OpenLab projects: a unique infrastructure serving as a real-world testbed for 6G applications. It consists of a hybrid network combining optical communications and mobile networks, spanning two UPC campuses 34 km apart: the Diagonal North Campus in Barcelona and the Baix Llobregat Campus in Castelldefels. It will be used to test and facilitate the deployment of autonomous vehicles, smart crop monitoring, more efficient emergency services, connected drones, and other emerging technologies.

Other projects

One of the featured projects at the UPC stand was MERIT and its new master’s programme, which was presented through a dedicated corporate leaflet and a QR brochure specifically designed for the 2025 edition of MWC Barcelona. Additionally, the MERIT project video was constantly displayed during the four days. The promotion of MERIT through the UPC stand at the MWC25 reached several SMEs that were introduced to the project’s vision.

Another revolutionary project initiated last year was the DISCOVER project, which aims to transform the construction and demolition industry by developing an advanced system for the autonomous, synchronous, and continuous identification and analysis of materials in end-of-life built environments.

And finally, in order to improve the collaboration between business and academia, the INDUSAC project (that launched the INDUSAC platform), an initiative to reshape the landscape of industry-academia collaboration. 

In addition to these technological innovations , other projects were also presented:

• GAISSA: An energy card to assess and improve energy efficiency and performance of AI
• USEFUL: A car equipped with AI and optical sensors that will collect vast amounts of data for autonomous driving
• Compass+: Artificial intelligence and machine learning for maritime traffic management at the Port of Barcelona
• AI4WATER: Digital twins for irrigation agriculture

More information: mwcbarcelona.upc.edu