6G Terminals Study Report

The evolution towards 6G is expected to fundamentally transform the role of terminal devices within future digital ecosystems. Emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Generative AI, large language models, robotics, immersive communications, sensing, and advanced AI hardware are rapidly reshaping the capabilities, form factors, and societal role of terminals. At the same time, global standardisation activities across ITU-R, 3GPP, and GSMA are accelerating the definition of future 6G systems and requirements.

6G terminals are expected to evolve from traditional communication devices towards intelligent, collaborative, and autonomous platforms capable of integrating communication, sensing, computing, and AI-native functionalities. Future terminals are expected to support new interaction models, including immersive multi-sensory experiences, AI agents, humanoid robots, autonomous systems, and collaborative intelligent ecosystems across consumer, enterprise, industrial, healthcare, and public service environments.

Emerging trends across 6G technologies, AI systems, robotics, and AI hardware indicate that terminals will increasingly support complex information and action flow loops. Representative use cases explored include smart robotic tour guides, immersive XR entertainment, intelligent home management, collaborative smart offices, autonomous transportation, healthcare support, and smart manufacturing scenarios.

Future 6G terminals are expected to require several key capabilities, including:

• AI-native intelligence and AI agent support,
• integrated communication and sensing,
• ultra-high throughput and ultra-low latency communications,
• multi-dimensional perception and interaction,
• collaborative edge and cloud computing,
• autonomous capability evolution,
• and seamless cross-device coordination.

Key research directions for future 6G terminal development include communication technologies, native AI integration, multi-dimensional information perception, and collaborative system evolution. In addition, future 6G ecosystems are expected to create new monetisation opportunities through AI-enabled services, immersive experiences, intelligent robotics, and wider ecosystem expansion.

Overall, 6G terminals are expected to become a critical enabler of future intelligent digital societies, supporting the convergence of communication, computing, sensing, and AI capabilities across both physical and digital environments.

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