Honor Takes a Leap Into Humanoid Robotics

Smartphone maker Honor is preparing to make a splash in the robotics world. The company has announced its first humanoid robot will debut at Mobile World Congress in February 2026, marking a significant expansion beyond its mobile roots.

From Phones to Robots

The upcoming robot targets consumer markets with capabilities ranging from household assistance to intelligent companionship. This isn't just another gadget launch - it represents Honor's strategic pivot toward becoming "a globally leading AI terminal ecosystem company," as insiders describe the transformation.

Behind this ambitious move lies serious investment. Honor established specialized research labs back in April 2025 focusing on embodied intelligence, powertrain systems, and bionic design. The company has committed $10 billion over five years to fuel these efforts.

Technical Breakthroughs

Early reports suggest Honor's team has made impressive progress:

• Bionic joint technology surpassing previous benchmarks
• Balance algorithms enabling remarkable stability
• Running speeds hitting 4m/s - faster than Boston Dynamics' famed Atlas robot

"The speed achievement particularly caught our attention," notes robotics analyst Li Wei. "Matching human jogging pace while maintaining balance is no small feat."

Industry Gold Rush

Honor isn't alone chasing the embodied intelligence dream. Competitors like Xiaomi have already released two generations of their CyberDog line, while vivo operates a dedicated robotics lab. Industry watchers see smartphone makers as natural contenders in this space thanks to their:

• Advanced AI perception systems
• User experience expertise
• Established supply chain networks

Yet challenges remain beneath the surface hype. "Motion control and mechatronics require fundamentally different competencies than smartphone design," cautions IDC researcher Zhang Ming. "This isn't just about slapping legs on a phone - it demands years of specialized R&D."

The commercialization hurdle looms largest. While robotic assistants capture imaginations, transforming prototypes into affordable, mass-market products continues to elude most manufacturers.

For Honor, success would validate more than just technical prowess - it would prove the company can transcend its mobile heritage entirely.

Key Points:

• Debut Timing: MWC 2026 showcase planned for first humanoid model
• Core Focus: Household services and companion applications
• Investment: $10 billion committed across five research labs
• Technical Edge: Current prototypes outperform Boston Dynamics in speed tests
• Industry Trend: Major smartphone brands all investing heavily in robotics