Honor to unveil first humanoid robot alongside AI robot phone at MWC 2026
Chinese smartphone maker Honor is set to enter the humanoid robotics arena with the launch of its first household focused robot, marking a significant expansion beyond its traditional mobile device business. The Shenzhen based company confirmed that the unveiling will take place on March 1 in Barcelona, just ahead of the Mobile World Congress 2026.
Honor released a short teaser video showing a matte black humanoid robot equipped with a camera module mounted on top and illuminated blue light strips across its chest and arm. While detailed specifications have not yet been disclosed, the company indicated that the robot will form part of a broader artificial intelligence driven ecosystem that integrates mobile devices and robotics.
The humanoid is expected to be introduced alongside a new Robot Phone, an experimental device designed to demonstrate how smartphones can function as central control hubs within a connected AI hardware network. Honor described the upcoming launch as a combination of advanced robotics and the mobile experience, signaling its ambition to position AI not only within software applications but also in physical machines.
According to preliminary information, the humanoid robot is intended for both retail and home service environments. Potential use cases include delivering small items, assisting with basic household tasks and offering interactive companionship. By leveraging its experience in hardware design, battery optimization and sensor integration, Honor appears to be aiming for a consumer oriented robot rather than an industrial platform.
The move reflects a broader trend among Chinese technology firms seeking to capitalize on rapid growth in the humanoid robotics sector. Industry data suggests that global revenue in the humanoid market surged significantly in 2025, with thousands of units shipped worldwide and Chinese manufacturers accounting for a substantial share. Advances in actuators, artificial intelligence and edge computing have lowered development barriers, encouraging smartphone and consumer electronics brands to explore robotics.
Honor is also expected to present several new devices at the Barcelona event, including its next generation foldable smartphone and updates to its tablet and laptop lines. These products are likely to emphasize AI driven features, reinforcing the company’s strategy of building an interconnected ecosystem spanning multiple device categories.
Competition in humanoid robotics is intensifying. International players such as Tesla and Boston Dynamics continue to refine their platforms, while Chinese firms including Unitree Robotics are rapidly improving mobility and affordability. The entry of established smartphone brands adds another layer of rivalry, particularly as companies explore how agentic AI systems can coordinate tasks across devices.
By unveiling a humanoid robot on the global stage of Mobile World Congress, Honor is positioning itself at the intersection of consumer electronics and embodied artificial intelligence, highlighting how robotics may become a natural extension of the post smartphone technology landscape.
