Honor will enter the humanoid robotics space at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in Barcelona, unveiling its first AI-powered humanoid robot alongside a previously teased “Robot Phone” concept. The Chinese smartphone maker’s move signals a significant expansion beyond mobile devices and into AI-driven robotics and a broader smart ecosystem, according to company statements.
The “Robot Phone,” first showcased at CES 2026, features a gimbal-mounted camera designed to mimic human-like interaction. Promotional videos released by Honor depict the device responding to users, offering outfit critiques, and even engaging in playful interactions with infants. Although the videos have generated excitement, their heavily AI-generated nature has prompted questions about the device’s true capabilities.
Honor aims to be the first global smartphone brand to launch a humanoid robot designed for consumer service tasks, including shopping assistance and everyday support. The company has themed its MWC 2026 presence around “Believers in AI Future,” emphasizing its commitment to artificial intelligence. This ambition places Honor alongside other Chinese tech companies like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo, all of whom are investing heavily in AI innovation, as well as startups like Unitree that are pushing the boundaries of AI robotics.
Beyond the robotics reveal, Honor will too launch its Magic V6 foldable phone, the MagicPad 4 tablet, and the MagicBook Pro 14 laptop at MWC 2026. The Magic V6, the company’s fifth-generation foldable, is rumored to be thinner than its predecessor and potentially the first foldable device to achieve both IP68 and IP69 ratings for water and dust resistance. Upgrades to the “Super Steel Hinge” and foldable glass screen are also anticipated.
The announcement comes as the mobile industry continues to explore the integration of artificial intelligence into smartphones. While advancements in large language models and agentic computing are progressing, questions remain about the readiness of phones to support complex robotic features, such as motorized limbs, and the impact such features would have on battery life and durability.
