Honor Device Co., Ltd. CEO James Li announced on May 15 that the world’s first “robot phone,” the Honor Robot Phone, is scheduled for commercial release in the third quarter of this year, signaling a new phase in the evolution of AI-powered consumer devices.
The announcement follows the device’s debut at MWC 2026 in March, where Honor introduced the Robot Phone as a new form of embodied AI terminal.
The prototype drew significant attention for its unconventional design, most notably a large motorized flip camera module that redefines traditional smartphone imaging hardware and interaction. The company positions the device as a step beyond conventional smartphones, integrating advanced artificial intelligence with physical mobility and adaptive user interaction.
Honor also revealed a strategic technology partnership with globally renowned imaging equipment manufacturer ARRI. The collaboration is expected to bring professional-grade imaging capabilities to the Robot Phone, with initial results set to be implemented directly in the upcoming device.
The move reflects a broader industry trend of combining high-end optics expertise with AI-driven computational photography to enhance mobile imaging performance.
The planned launch underscores intensifying competition among smartphone makers to differentiate through AI integration and novel hardware design, as companies explore new categories that merge robotics, imaging, and intelligent user interfaces into a single consumer product.