Honor, a leading Chinese tech brand, has ventured into new territory with the launch of its Robot Phone, a next-generation device that combines AI intelligence, robotic movement, and advanced imaging technology.
Released through Honor's official channels, the company describes this smartphone as a milestone in its "Project Alpha," representing an evolution from the "iPhone to AI Phone and now to the Robot Phone." The teaser hints at a foldable robotic camera and a multimodal AI-powered system.
The Era of 'Smart Devices'
As the first major milestone under Project Alpha, the Robot Phone marks Honor's entrance into what it calls the era of "smart devices." This concept builds on the company's vision to go beyond traditional smartphones, developing machines capable of perceiving, moving, and thinking in sync with users.
Official visuals on Honor's YouTube channel show a device with a camera that smoothly rises from the body, blending mechanical motion with AI-driven control. The design emphasizes mobility and adaptability, moving beyond static use and blurring the line between a smartphone and a robotic companion.
Full specifications remain tightly under wraps. Honor plans to reveal more details at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in 2026, where the Robot Phone will make its global debut.
Honor Lays Out Ambitious Plans for the AI Era
Under Project Alpha, Honor aims to transform from a smartphone brand into a global leader in AI-powered device ecosystems. The company has laid out a three-phase roadmap to bridge the gap between human capabilities and machine intelligence.
The plan begins with creating human-centric AI smartphones, followed by expanding into a connected ecosystem of AI devices, ultimately envisioning the convergence of humans and artificial intelligence in the AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) era.
CEO Li Jieming stated that the AI revolution is reshaping "our productivity, our society, and even our culture," calling on the industry to build an open, value-sharing ecosystem.
Early signs of this plan are already emerging. Honor's AiMAGE platform enhances photo clarity using on-device and cloud-based AI models, while its AI assistant supports users in managing daily tasks like bookings and navigation. The company has also launched a deepfake detection tool, showcasing how its current products lay the groundwork for a fully intelligent ecosystem.
Major Tech Allies Join Honor’s AI Ambitions
Honor's AI aspirations are backed by strong support. The company has pledged a $10 billion investment over the next five years to accelerate its transformation into an AI device ecosystem company, according to CNBC.
This investment is already yielding results through partnerships with Google Cloud, Qualcomm, and Vodafone — collaborators who joined Honor's leadership on stage, symbolizing a shared commitment to advancing connected, AI-driven hardware solutions.
The ecosystem vision extends far beyond smartphones. Honor's recent product lineup, ranging from AI-powered laptops and tablets to smartwatches and earbuds, demonstrates a broader strategy to integrate intelligence as a core layer across all devices.
