In a daring blend of robotics and artificial intelligence, Honor has introduced a groundbreaking device known as the ‘robot phone,’ which features a pop-out camera attached to a small robotic arm. The Chinese smartphone manufacturer shared a brief teaser on X (formerly Twitter), providing a preview of this futuristic mechanism and its sophisticated capabilities. Honor claims that this cutting-edge design integrates ‘multi-modal intelligence, advanced robotics, and next-generation imaging’ to allow the robotic arm to function autonomously. The teaser video showcases the camera emerging from the rear module via a compact robotic arm that dynamically adjusts its position to capture photos and videos.
This concept is distinguished by its remarkable movement and precision, with the robotic camera arm capable of automatically tracking subjects and smoothly transitioning across the frame, similar to a gimbal. After the recording or photo session, the camera retracts back into the rear housing, ready for use as a standard rear camera. Honor’s innovation represents a significant advancement from traditional pop-up cameras that gained popularity in recent years. Previous models, such as the Samsung Galaxy A80, featured motorized pop-up systems mainly for selfies, whereas Honor’s design appears notably more sophisticated. It offers AI-assisted tracking and robotic control, enabling the phone to autonomously follow movement, stabilize shots, and possibly enhance creative photography without requiring manual adjustment.
In the teaser, Honor subtly criticized its competitors, particularly Apple, stating, ‘While the industry is busy comparing the iPhone, we believe it’s time to break the mold and refocus on what truly matters: creating real value for you.’ This statement highlights Honor’s goal to set itself apart by combining hardware innovation with intelligent automation. Although the concept has sparked considerable interest online, Honor has yet to specify when the robot phone will be available for purchase. Industry experts suggest that the visuals released indicate an early prototype or proof of concept, aimed at showcasing Honor’s advancements in AI and robotics integration.
The company reportedly intends to invest $10 billion in artificial intelligence development over the next five years, indicating its long-term strategy to lead in smart device innovation. If realized, this robotic camera concept could usher in a new era of smartphone design, where physical adaptability and machine intelligence coexist. For now, tech enthusiasts will need to wait for potential updates or a complete reveal at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026, set for March next year. Whether this robotic innovation becomes a market product or remains a vision of the future, Honor’s teaser has already laid the groundwork for one of the most captivating advancements in smartphone technology.