Robot phone previewed ahead of live demos at MWC 2026

HONOR has teased a new smartphone, dubbed the 'Robot Phone', at the launch of its Magic8 series—billing it as the world's first handset to integrate advanced robotics, AI and emotion-aware interaction for everyday use.

At first glance, the device resembles a standard smartphone, but the rear houses a pop-up camera on a gimbal-style robotic arm that swings out. HONOR says this enables the phone to look around, engage with users and express emotion via its onboard AI—a new interaction model beyond conventional handheld use.

A two-minute forty-second teaser published on HONOR's YouTube channel shows the camera moving playfully and reacting with expressions resembling those of a face, drawing comparisons to the animated film 'Wall-E'. HONOR says the design reflects its philosophy of anticipatory, human-centred technology, positioning machines as interactive companions rather than inert tools.

The teaser has sparked interest among tech enthusiasts ahead of planned live demonstrations at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in Barcelona, where HONOR will reveal further details.

Abdullah Al Mamun, Head of Business, HONOR Bangladesh, said:

'The introduction of Robot Phone positions HONOR at the forefront of AI device innovation. With the Robot Phone, HONOR envisions the future phone as more than just a tool. The device becomes an "emotional companion" that "senses, adapts and evolves autonomously like a robot, enriching its users' lives with love, joy and wisdom"', he said.

HONOR says this human-like, emotionally engaging approach differentiates the Robot Phone from conventional smart devices, with the handset designed to participate actively in daily life as an adaptive companion. The device is presented as the cornerstone of HONOR's 'ALPHA PLAN', an initiative aimed at delivering transformative AI device experiences and advancing the firm's vision for future human–machine interaction.