Honor has launched a robot phone featuring a motorized 360-degree periscope AI gimbal camera that can perform flips and advanced movements [1, 3].
The device represents a shift toward hardware-based mobility in smartphones. By integrating robotics into the camera system, Honor aims to move beyond static lenses to provide unprecedented flexibility for mobile photography and videography [1, 5].
The company showcased the device this month at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and during a separate launch event in China [2, 4]. The hardware is designed for what the company calls the "robot age," utilizing an AI-driven gimbal that allows the lens to move independently of the phone's body [1, 5].
While the full retail price of the handset has not been detailed in all reports, some component costs have surfaced. The motorized gimbal camera alone is priced at roughly €391 [6]. This high cost for a single spare part highlights the complexity of the mechanical engineering required to fit a 360-degree motorized system into a handheld device [6].
Industry observers noted the ambition of the project during hands-on demonstrations [2, 5]. The camera's ability to rotate and flip allows for angles previously impossible without external equipment or stabilizers. This integration of robotics into a consumer handset marks one of the most aggressive departures from traditional smartphone design in recent years [5].
The device is slated for sale in China following its debut at the 2026 exhibition [2]. Honor has not yet confirmed a global release date for the robot edition [2].
“Honor aims to reinvent the smartphone for the 'robot age'”
The introduction of motorized hardware suggests a move away from the 'slab' era of smartphone design, where innovation was primarily software-driven. By integrating a physical gimbal, Honor is betting that consumers will prioritize mechanical versatility over thinness, potentially forcing competitors to explore robotics to maintain a competitive edge in the high-end camera market.
