Honor’s upcoming device is being billed as the “world’s first robot phone.” At first glance it looks like a regular smartphone, but its standout feature is a robotic arm built into the back that can extend when needed. That arm can take photos, record video, and capture shots from unusual angles on command — removing the need for a selfie stick or asking someone else to take your picture.
Robotic camera and an AI “brain”
The phone’s headline feature is a gimbal-style camera system that can move like a robot. Honor says the device will include an AI “brain” tied to the robotic mobility, so the phone won’t be limited to just taking photos. According to the company, the AI will be able to respond to user questions and keep an eye on activity around it.
Launch date and event: Mobile World Congress
Honor has confirmed the Robot Phone will be revealed on March 1, 2026, at Mobile World Congress. The company plans to unveil it alongside its flagship Honor Magic V6. The announcement has created significant buzz in tech circles because this would be the first smartphone to ship with robotic features.
Pop-up assistant camera
In addition to the robotic arm, the phone will have an AI assistant camera that pops up from the rear. Honor first teased the device last October, highlighting its unusual, attention-grabbing design. The pop-up camera is meant to work in tandem with the robotic movements for more flexible shooting.
More than a camera — the teaser’s surprising hints
Honor’s teaser suggests the phone won’t just capture images. It showed capabilities such as recognizing what someone is wearing and even interacting playfully — for instance, the teaser implied the device could play hide-and-seek with a child sleeping on a desk. These clips point toward a strategy of making the phone appear more “self-aware.”
Multimodal intelligence and the “partner” idea
Honor says the Robot Phone will use multimodal intelligence, meaning it can understand visuals, audio, and text inputs. The company describes the device as something users could treat like a “partner,” rather than a simple gadget — a positioning that leans into emotional, assistant-style interactions.
What this means for the market
Pop-up selfie cameras have existed before, but Honor’s robotic arm concept is different because it controls the rear camera mechanism and adds mobility. Honor frames this as a step toward devices that behave more like companions than tools. For now, public details are limited, and the company expects to release the official name and further specifications in early 2026.
Ramesh is a technology writer at gemch.in, covering smartphone launches, leaks, and comparisons. His articles focus on real-world features, performance, and value-for-money insights to help readers make informed buying decisions.