Chinese manufacturer Honor unveiled its first "robot phone" integrating advanced artificial intelligence features in Barcelona on Sunday, on the eve of the Mobile World Congress (MWC). This announcement comes amid intense technological competition surrounding the uses of AI in smartphones.
The device, which retains the appearance of a high-end smartphone, is distinguished by the addition of a mechanical arm topped with a small pod equipped with a camera. This mobile module gives it the shape of a retractable humanoid "face." According to the manufacturer, this "multimodal" digital companion can nod or move its head depending on its interactions with the user.
Honor wants to become a global player in AI
During the presentation, Honor's president, James Li, spoke of a "human-machine revolution," asserting that artificial intelligence is transforming the world at breakneck speed. The company plans to launch this new device in the second half of 2026, without disclosing the price.
With this product, Honor demonstrates its ambition to transcend its status as a mere smartphone manufacturer and become a global supplier of AI-powered devices. Founded in 2013 by Huawei before being acquired in 2020 by a Chinese consortium, the Shenzhen-based brand employs over 14,000 people.
The mobile sector is currently undergoing rapid transformation due to the rise of artificial intelligence. In recent months, several major players, including Samsung and Huawei, have launched numerous innovations, particularly around foldable phones and embedded smart features.
