Could robot phones be the next leap in physical AI?

Smartphones have been the greatest drivers of creative democratization over the past 15 years, giving people a powerful voice and platform. Recent advancements in the “brains” behind these devices are almost limitless, from their software and processing power to their AI capabilities. But what about their bodies? For years, the smartphone’s physical form has remained a familiar slab of glass and ceramic. This form factor, once revolutionary, is now becoming a physical constraint on creativity.

Over time, smartphone design has created a paradox. The very tool meant to capture our memories can prevent us from truly living in the moment. While the intention was to connect us, the focus on handheld screens can draw our attention away from the world around us. The numbers reflect this. Research from the Center for Humane Technology shows people spend an average of 150 minutes on social media every day. Over a decade, this adds up to more than a year spent looking at a screen.

3 GOLDEN RULES FOR THE NEW ERA OF AI DEVICES

To unlock the next wave of human creativity and help us be more present, we must fundamentally rethink the design of our personal devices.

1. First, we must rethink traditional form factors. For too long, innovation has been trapped inside a static body. The future requires us to design a new type of device that can finally match the dynamism of real life. The shape of our devices should enhance human creativity.

2. Second, we need to build tools for creation, not just consumption. The smartphone’s design has been optimized for scrolling and viewing. It’s made for holding and watching. The next generation of devices must be purpose-built for creating. They must have specialized hardware that empowers creators.

3. Third, we must bring AI into the physical world. Display-based software is powerful, but the real world is multi-dimensional. The next leap forward is to create hardware that moves intelligently, understands physical space, and manages a wider array of tasks. By merging the worlds of robotics and smartphones, we can create true digital companions that proactively assist in our daily lives.

AN INDUSTRY-WIDE AWAKENING

Our belief in these human-centric principles is a core part of our long-term R&D philosophy at HONOR. For years, we have been guided by the principle that technology should adapt to human life, not the other way around. Encouragingly, the wider industry is beginning to share this perspective. As recently as January, announcements from major players like Apple and OpenAI about developing new AI wearables show that the race is on to build devices that complement our lives without demanding all of our attention.

FROM THEORY TO REALITY: A ROBOT PHONE

So what does it look like to put these principles into practice? How do you build a device that truly frees a smart device’s body while empowering its brain? For us, the answer begins with robotics.

Today we introduced the HONOR Robot Phone at MWC in Barcelona. By incorporating a robotic camera gimbal (a motorized, AI-driven stabilizer with precise and automated camera movements), we fundamentally rethought the phone’s form factor. The phone’s professional-grade gimbal is designed for co-creation and marks a clear evolution from the typical slab design. It can automatically track subjects and intelligently frame shots, bringing digital intelligence into the physical world. The result is a personal cinematographer that frees the user to be in the moment, not behind the lens.

Devices like this can be a positive step forward for creators and consumers alike. They empower users to create without expensive, bulky equipment, and to become more active participants in their own stories.

But this is just the beginning. Our three golden rules outline a path to a future where our devices’ bodies and brains work in harmony. Robotic form factors will open up new possibilities for future human-device interactions, delivering on the long-held promise of truly helpful robotic partners.

Fang Fei is president of products at HONOR Device Co., Ltd.

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