Honor to Launch First Consumer-Grade Humanoid Robot at MWC 2026
Honor is poised to become the first global smartphone manufacturer to enter the humanoid robot market with the unveiling of its inaugural consumer-grade humanoid robot at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in Barcelona, opening March 1, 2026. Technode reports that alongside this groundbreaking robot, the company will showcase its innovative “Robot Phone” and other technological advancements.
China’s Robotics Industry on Display
The 2026 Spring Festival Gala highlighted the rapid advancements within China’s robotics industry, with numerous companies demonstrating cutting-edge capabilities in motion control, operational precision, and coordination across diverse applications.
Strategic Moves into Humanoid Robotics
Several smartphone companies, including Honor, vivo, and Xiaomi, are strategically expanding into the humanoid robotics sector. Vivo has already established a dedicated robotics lab, focusing on developing the “brain” and “eyes” of future robots through its expertise in AI large models and imaging. Xiaomi recently released its embodied intelligence VLA model, Xiaomi-Robotics-0, which achieved top scores in simulation benchmarks and has been made open-source.
Honor’s AI-Driven Alpha Strategy
Honor launched its AI-focused Alpha strategy in March 2025, committing a $10 billion investment over five years to establish itself as a global leader in AI terminal ecosystems. Technave details that this roadmap consists of three phases: building smart devices, constructing a smart ecosystem, and co-creating a smart world.
The Robot Phone and Future Innovations
Honor highlighted its progress in human-machine interaction driven by the Alpha strategy in its 2026 New Year address. The ROBOT PHONE (Alpha Phone Robot), first unveiled in October 2025, is scheduled for mass production and release in 2026. The company’s CEO, Li Jian, described the Robot Phone as integrating an AI smartphone, embodied intelligence, and high-definition cameras to create a new form of intelligent interaction. Technave
Expanding the Flagship IoT Ecosystem
In addition to the humanoid robot and Robot Phone, Honor will introduce the HONOR Magic V6 foldable smartphone, the HONOR MagicPad 4 tablet, and the HONOR MagicBook Pro 14 laptop at MWC 2026. As.com reports that the Magic V6 will focus on improved durability, battery life, and a slimmer design. The MagicPad 4 and MagicBook Pro 14 are designed for productivity and multimedia consumption within a fully interconnected ecosystem.
Strong Growth and Market Position
Honor’s smartphone shipments exceeded 71 million units in 2025, representing a 9% increase. The company maintained its position in the domestic market while experiencing a 47% surge in overseas sales, accounting for over 50% of its total shipments for the first time. Shipments in Latin America and the Middle East and Africa surpassed 10 million, with market share exceeding 10% in 17 key countries.
Event Details
The global launch event will be held at the Palau de Congressos de Barcelona on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. To 2:00 p.m. (CET). The livestream will begin at 7:00 a.m. ET, 6:00 a.m. CT, and 4:00 a.m. PT. Attendees can experience the innovations firsthand at Stand 3H10, Hall 3. As.com