Vodafone Qatar has signed an agreement with robotics company Agibot to explore bringing AI-powered robots to Qatar, with the technology aimed at government departments, businesses and schools across the country.

The memorandum of understanding was signed on Sunday 8 November on the sidelines of MWC26 Doha, the mobile industry event taking place at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. It was signed by Baran Yurdagul, chief operating officer of Vodafone Qatar, and Vera Liu, general manager of Agibot in Qatar.

Under the agreement, the two companies will examine how Vodafone Qatar's connectivity and digital infrastructure can support the deployment and operation of Agibot's embodied AI robotics systems. Embodied AI refers to artificial intelligence built into physical machines, such as humanoid or quadruped robots, that can sense and act in the real world rather than operating only as software.

The partners will also look at practical uses for the technology tailored to different sectors, from public services to classrooms and workplaces. No deployment dates or specific robot models were announced, and the agreement is an exploration of the opportunity rather than a contract to supply robots.

Yurdagul said reliable and advanced connectivity was a pivotal element in enabling the next generation of robotics and improving what the machines can do in practice. He added that Vodafone Qatar was committed to providing connectivity that helps businesses and government bodies adopt new technology efficiently and with confidence.

Liu said the collaboration would explore how advanced communications technology and intelligent robotics could create new opportunities for businesses and consumers alike.

The deal fits Vodafone Qatar's wider presence at MWC Doha 2026, where the operator is a strategic operating partner and is showcasing technology under the theme of the IQ Era, including interactive demonstrations covering industry, smart cities, healthcare, education and retail. Robotics and quantum-safe networks are among the technologies on display at its stand.

Agibot, a Shanghai-based robotics company, has been expanding its presence in the Middle East, and the Vodafone Qatar agreement is its latest step in the region. The company is exhibiting its embodied AI and robotics systems at MWC Doha, where visitors can see the technology in action.

Qatar has been investing heavily in digital infrastructure as part of its national development plans, and telecoms operators in the Gulf have increasingly positioned themselves as partners for AI and robotics projects rather than simply providers of mobile and broadband services.

Whether the agreement leads to robots working in Qatari offices, schools or public buildings will depend on the outcome of the joint study the two companies have now agreed to carry out.