vivo Expands into Robotics with Smart Home Assistant Plans
In a strategic expansion beyond smartphones, Chinese tech company vivo has officially announced its entry into the robotics sector. The revelation came during the 2025 Boao Forum for Asia, where executives detailed plans to develop smart home assistants through their newly established vivo Robotics Lab.
Bridging Physical and Digital Worlds
The company aims to combine its existing artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities with advanced imaging technologies to create robots capable of understanding environments and responding to user needs. "Robots will serve as a bridge connecting the physical and digital worlds," stated Hu Boshan, vivo's Executive Vice President.
Technology Integration
vivo demonstrated early applications of this vision through its mixed reality headset, showcasing machine vision capabilities that may eventually integrate with upcoming smartphone models like the X200Ultra. The company plans to leverage these technologies as foundational components for future robotic systems.
Recruitment and Timeline
The smartphone manufacturer has begun aggressive talent acquisition, including hiring a chief robotics scientist, to accelerate development. vivo projects a prototype within 3-5 years, followed by commercial home robot products designed to address everyday consumer needs.
Industry Advantages
Analysts note vivo's strong position for this expansion, given its:
- Extensive experience in consumer electronics manufacturing
- Established AI algorithms and imaging technologies
- Robust supply chain partnerships in chips, displays, and precision engineering
The move represents both a technological evolution and strategic response to growing smart home market demands. As AI capabilities advance, industry observers predict home robots may become as ubiquitous as smartphones within the next decade.
Key Points
- vivo establishes Robotics Lab to develop AI-powered home assistants
- Will leverage existing smartphone imaging and AI technologies for robot development
- Mixed reality headset showcased as early technology demonstrator
- Commercial products expected within 3-5 years following prototype phase
- Expansion builds on vivo's consumer electronics expertise and supply chain advantages