Honor's humanoid robot steals the show at MWC 2026 with moonwalk, backflip and ambitious AI plans
21 Sources
[1]
First Steps? Honor's Humanoid Robot Makes Its Debut With a Moonwalk and a Backflip
Katie is a UK-based news reporter and features writer. Officially, she is CNET's European correspondent, covering tech policy and Big Tech in the EU and UK. Unofficially, she serves as CNET's Taylor Swift correspondent. You can also find her writing about tech for good, ethics and human rights, the
[2]
Honor claims its Robot Phone will launch later this year
Honor has revealed more details of its so-called Robot Phone at MWC 2026, and finally showed a working unit in action alongside a dancing humanoid robot. Specs are still thin on the ground, but the company has confirmed it plans to release the phone in the second half of this year -- though I've
[3]
Honor Teases New Humanoid Robots, First Model Will Arrive at MWC 2026
With over a decade of experience reporting on consumer technology, James covers mobile phones, apps, operating systems, wearables, AI, and more. Most people know Honor for its smartphones and other gadgets, but it's now set to pivot into robotics as the next step in its AI-focused
[4]
Chinese Smartphone Maker Honor Plans Humanoid Service Robot
Honor Device Co. will unveil its first humanoid robot later this week, joining a rush by Chinese companies into a burgeoning sector of new technology. The robot, aimed at consumer services such as shopping assistance, will make its debut at the MWC Barcelona tech conference this weekend, the
[5]
Phone-Maker Honor Will Unveil Its First Humanoid Robot Next Week
Katie is a UK-based news reporter and features writer. Officially, she is CNET's European correspondent, covering tech policy and Big Tech in the EU and UK. Unofficially, she serves as CNET's Taylor Swift correspondent. You can also find her writing about tech for good, ethics and human rights, the
[6]
A closer look at Honor's Robot Phone
While Honor has already made plenty of product announcements, with tablets, foldables, and more, its most interesting device at MWC 2026 is the Robot Phone -- and maybe the humanoid robot that came alongside it. After briefly showing off a model at CES, Honor isn't quite ready to launch its Robot
[7]
Okay, This AI-Powered 'Robot Phone' Has My Undivided Attention
MWC 2026 kicks off in Barcelona next week on Mar. 2. Short for Mobile World Congress, the annual mobile-focused show has traditionally been the global stage for many Chinese brands like Xiaomi, Huawei, and Honor to show off their latest phone innovations. The show has been quieter since the
[8]
Forget foldables, this Android phone maker is launching a robot butler at MWC
This humanoid joins the previously teased HONOR Robot Phone on stage, alongside traditional hardware like the Magic V6. HONOR is about to make a surprising entrance at Mobile World Congress 2026 with something no one expected from a phone brand: a humanoid robot. MWC usually features foldables and
[9]
Smartphone maker to unveil its first humanoid built for daily chores
The company shared a glimpse of what's coming through a 39-second YouTube video, announcing its entry into the physical AI hardware space beyond mobile phones. The MWC is well-known as the largest annual mobile and connectivity conference organized by the GSMA. With an average attendance of over
[10]
Honor says its Robot Phone launches later this year with 200MP gimbal camera [Gallery]
While the Honor Magic V6 is the brand's biggest announcement at MWC 2026, the Robot Phone and humanoid robot are perhaps the ones the company is more excited about. While no one has really had a chance to use the Robot Phone yet, Honor says it will launch the device later in 2026. On the tail end
[11]
Honor's Robot Phone hands-on: It's wild, and it's weird
Honor brought its Robot Phone concept to Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, giving us a first close look at the device. Honor calls the Robot Phone a "new species" of smartphone that combines "embodied AI interaction with robot-grade motion and cinematic imaging capabilities." No, that doesn't
[12]
Honor's Robot Phone is launching for real and its gimbal camera looks impressive
Honor's robot phone breaks cover with robotic motion and a 200MP gimbal camera Mobile World Congress Read our complete coverage of Mobile World Congress Updated less than 1 minute ago The future of smartphones just took a dramatic leap as Honor officially confirmed that its long-teased Robot Phone
[13]
HONOR just revealed it's bringing a humanoid robot to MWC - Phandroid
Most people already knew HONOR had something wild planned for MWC 2026 in Barcelona. The company has been teasing its Robot Phone for months. But buried in that announcement was something nobody saw coming. According to Bloomberg, HONOR will also unveil its first HONOR humanoid robot at the show
[14]
Honor's Robot Phone Concept Will Launch in China This Year
The company unveiled its humanoid robot and Blade Battery technology Honor unveiled a series of concepts at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 on Sunday, showcasing ambitions beyond traditional smartphones. The China-based company once again demonstrated its highly awaited robot phone that is built
[15]
Now I've seen it in action, Honor's Robot Phone feels a lot closer to reality
Future-thinking phone with an integrated gimbal is on track for 2026 For something that was only a design sketch six months ago, the upcoming Honor Robot Phone has come a long way in a very short space of time. The quirky smartphone was originally teased at CES back in January, but appeared to be
[16]
Here's When Honor Will Showcase Its First Humanoid Robot
* Honor's humanoid robot will feature a forward-facing camera * Honor's humanoid robot will ship with AI functionality * The company will also launch the Robot Phone on the same day The Mobile World Congress (MWC 2026) is scheduled to begin on March 2 and will go on until March 5. During the
[17]
Chinese Tech Firm Honor Debuts Humanoid Robot and Robot Phone | PYMNTS.com
By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. The company demonstrated those products Sunday (March 1) at MWC Barcelona 2026,
[18]
HONOR Robot Phone has a 200MP sensor, gimbal stabilization
At MWC 2026, HONOR introduced a conceptual leap in mobile technology with the "HONOR Robot Phone." Described as a new species of smartphone, the device integrates embodied AI interaction with robot-grade motion control and advanced cinematic imaging capabilities. Moving beyond static screens and
[19]
HONOR MWC 2026: Humanoid Robot, Magic V6 and more
HONOR has released its official "Save the Date" communications for Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2026. Operating under this year's theme, "Believers in AI Future," the company has outlined a series of upcoming hardware and conceptual announcements. A focal point of the upcoming
[20]
Honor's robot phone at MWC 2026: Don't touch it yet!
It is still a concept device, with no confirmation yet on its commercial launch. The Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 has started in Barcelona with some of the biggest tech companies in the world showcasing their new products and innovations. While there will be a bunch of interesting
[21]
MWC 2026: Honor shows off Robot Phone with gimbal camera system
It combines AI with 'robot-grade motion and cinematic imaging capabilities,' Honor says. At Mobile World Congress 2026, Honor made it clear that it wants to go beyond regular smartphones. Alongside the launch of its new foldable, the Magic V6, the company also offered a preview of Robot Phone.
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Chinese smartphone maker Honor debuted its first humanoid robot at Mobile World Congress 2026, performing choreographed dance moves including a moonwalk and backflip. The company also showcased a working Robot Phone prototype with a 200-megapixel camera arm, marking its bold entry into consumer robotics backed by a $10 billion AI investment.
Honor Unveils Humanoid Robot at Mobile World Congress
In the most striking moment of Mobile World Congress 2026, Honor took the stage in Barcelona on March 1 to debut its first humanoid robot—a move that sets the Chinese smartphone manufacturer apart from Android rivals like Xiaomi and positions it at the forefront of consumer robotics
1
. The robot performed a choreographed dance routine to Imagine Dragons' "Believer," complete with an impressive moonwalk and a backflip that nearly ended in disaster before the machine steadied itself with an outstretched hand1
. Honor CEO James Li joined the robot on stage, shaking its hand in a demonstration that marked the company's ambitious leap from mobile devices into physical AI and robotics1
.
Source: CNET
Robot Phone Prototype Shows AI Camera Tracking Capabilities
Alongside the humanoid service robot, Honor displayed a working prototype of its Robot Phone at MWC Barcelona, a device first announced in October 2025
2
. The phone features a 200-megapixel camera arm built into what Honor claims is the smallest 4DoF gimbal system in the industry2
. This camera arm can nod, shake its head during conversations, and dance to music, showcasing AI camera tracking modes that go beyond traditional smartphone photography2
. Honor confirmed plans to release the Robot Phone in the second half of 2026, though initially only in China2
. Journalists at the event witnessed the device unfold its camera arm, hold an AI-enabled conversation, and fold back in, confirming its functionality beyond the non-working version shown at CES in January2
.
Source: Engadget
Consumer-Focused Robots Target Shopping and Companionship
Unlike many robotics companies that build industrial robots first before expanding into consumer markets, Honor is designing its humanoid robot for consumers from the start
1
. The company outlined three core scenarios for deployment: shopping assistance, workplace inspections, and supportive companionship1
. This approach positions Honor to compete in the booming robotics market, which saw 508% year-on-year revenue growth in 2025 according to IDC5
. "I believe AI must spin out... and into our physical world," said Li on stage. "This is why we create Honor robots. If the smartphone is an extension of our minds, the robot would be an extension of our hands"1
.$10 Billion Investment Drives Robotics Ambitions
Honor's entry into robotics stems from a $10 billion investment in AI announced at Mobile World Congress 2025, which at the time only hinted at physical AI applications
1
. The Shenzhen-based company, which became independent from Huawei in 2020, now has backing from the Shenzhen government's investment vehicle and various state-owned enterprises4
. Honor is building agentic AI services to integrate into its software ecosystem across smartphones and other devices, similar to efforts by rivals Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo4
. The company has said it's on track for a public listing, though no timeline has been fixed4
.Related Stories
Questions Remain About Robot Capabilities and Control
While the humanoid robot demonstrated impressive mobility during its stage performance, Honor declined to confirm whether the device was operating autonomously or under teleoperation
2
. In a demo area, the robot waved and shook hands with press, though inconsistently enough to suggest it wasn't under remote control2
. Honor provided no details about commercial launch plans for the humanoid robot, though the company has previously claimed it intends to bring the device to market2
. The robot appears to feature a singular camera and light at the top of its head, with blue lighting running down the center of its chest3
.
Source: CNET
Chinese Companies Lead Global Humanoid Race
Chinese companies currently dominate the global humanoid robot market, with leaders like Unitree and Agibot already shipping units while US competitors trail behind
5
. Unitree's machines were featured prominently during China's Lunar New Year gala broadcast, showcasing the country's technological prowess in robotics4
. While Huawei is also developing AI models for humanoid tasks, Honor claims to be the first among smartphone makers to enter this segment4
. Recent debuts by Chinese AI-focused companies have been met with enthusiasm from investors seeking domestic competitors to OpenAI and Anthropic4
. For Honor, the robotics push represents both an opportunity to diversify beyond smartphones and a chance to capture early-mover advantage in consumer services before the market becomes saturated5
.References
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