Honor Signals Strategic Shift with Humanoid Robot Debut at MWC 2026
Barcelona, Wednesday, 25 February 2026.
On March 1, Honor becomes the first Chinese smartphone manufacturer to enter the humanoid robotics sector, unveiling a service robot and an AI-equipped “Robot Phone” to differentiate within a saturated market.
Entering the Robotics Arena
Honor is set to unveil its first consumer-grade humanoid robot at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona on March 1, 2026 [1][5]. This launch positions Honor as the first Chinese smartphone manufacturer to formally enter the humanoid robotics segment, signaling a broader industry trend where mobile technology converges with autonomous machinery [5]. The company has confirmed that the robot will function as a “service robot,” designed to navigate scenarios such as retail environments and home services, with capabilities extending to product delivery and household companionship [2][5].
Redefining Mobile Hardware
Alongside the standalone robot, the company will introduce the “Robot Phone,” a device that integrates mechanical actuation directly into a handset [2][3]. The smartphone features a camera module capable of sliding across the chassis to reveal a gimbal with an attached robotic arm [3]. This hardware configuration allows the device to automatically frame shots and track subjects without human intervention, effectively merging AI-powered imaging with physical movement [5]. Industry observers noted that while the Robot Phone was glimpsed at CES 2026 earlier this year, it required representative assistance to function; a fully operational prototype is anticipated for the Barcelona showcase [3].
A Portfolio Driven by AI
The March 1 event, themed “Believers in AI Future,” will also serve as the launchpad for the Honor Magic V6, the company’s latest foldable device [1][7]. Promotional materials highlight the device’s hinge durability and design, indicating that traditional mobile advancements remain a core pillar of Honor’s strategy alongside its robotics experiments [7]. The global launch is scheduled for 13:00 CET (7 a.m. ET), where the company aims to demonstrate how these distinct product lines—humanoids, robotic phones, and foldables—coalesce under a unified artificial intelligence strategy [2][7][8].