HONOR Unveils AI 'Robot Phone'
At MWC 2026, tech company HONOR unveiled its vision for an AI-centric future, showcasing concepts like a "Robot Phone" and a humanoid robot. The company is pushing a strategy of "augmented human intelligence" (AHI), aiming to create a seamless ecosystem of AI-powered devices that work together.
The "Robot Phone" is a new concept in smartphones, featuring a motorized 4DoF (four-degree-of-freedom) gimbal camera system. This allows the camera to physically move, track subjects, and adjust its position in real-time, going beyond static smartphone capabilities. The system is powered by a self-developed micro motor that is 70% smaller than existing ones, enabling this robotic movement within a slim phone body. This device aims to introduce "embodied AI interaction," where the phone can express itself through physical movements. The camera module can nod, shake its head, and even move to the beat of music, creating a more playful and lifelike interaction. It supports features like all-angle AI video calling that follows the user and AI Object Tracking for capturing smooth video. Alongside the phone, HONOR showcased its first-ever humanoid robot, which performed a choreographed dance routine, including a moonwalk and a backflip, at MWC 2026. HONOR's CEO, James Li, stated that while a smartphone is an extension of the mind, a robot is an extension of our hands. The company envisions these consumer-grade robots for roles like shopping assistance, workplace inspections, and supportive companionship. These innovations are part of HONOR's broader "Augmented Human Intelligence" (AHI) strategy. The goal is to create AI that enhances human capabilities by combining cognitive intelligence (IQ) with emotional understanding (EQ). This human-centric approach aims to make AI a proactive partner rather than just a passive tool. The entire initiative is structured under the "ALPHA PLAN," which consists of three pillars: Alpha Phone (exploring new AI devices), Alpha Store (building an AI ecosystem), and Alpha Lab (turning research into user experiences). HONOR's plan includes integrating over 20,000 AI services into its open AI Connect Platform by the end of 2026. The ecosystem extends beyond conceptual devices to products slated for release. HONOR also launched its latest foldable, the Magic V6, which features a new silicon-carbon battery technology. Additionally, the new MagicPad 4 tablet and MagicBook Pro 14 laptop were introduced to further build out the AI-powered device lineup.
