On Monday, the Shenzhen-based mobile manufacturer announced that it will launch its first-ever humanoid robot on March 1, on the eve of the MWC 2026, El.kz cites Interesting Engineering.
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 90,000, the conference will be held in Barcelona from March 2 to March 5.
The product is designed for use in retail and home service settings, with capabilities that include delivering items and providing companionship in household environments.
A slew of new devices
Alongside its hardware robotics debut, Honor plans to showcase a slate of upcoming devices. Among the highlights is the HONOR Robot Phone, an experimental device designed to showcase the future potential of integrated mobile robotics in everyday consumer technology.
The company will also introduce the HONOR Magic V6, its next-generation foldable smartphone, which emphasizes improved durability, a larger battery, and an even slimmer profile.
Expanding its computing lineup, HONOR will unveil the MagicPad4 tablet and MagicBook Pro 14 laptop, both built to demonstrate how AI-powered features can boost productivity while retaining ultra-thin designs.
A booming market
The humanoid market is no stranger to competition, with the likes of Figure, Tesla, Boston Dynamics, Unitree Robotics, and many others designing humanoids to aid various walks of life.
Omdia’s research shows the humanoid robot market experienced a 500% revenue growth in 2025. Around 13,000 units were shipped worldwide, with the majority from Chinese manufacturers.
Additionally, Chinese AI companies debuting their IPOs have sparked strong investor interest from those seeking domestic alternatives to the likes of OpenAIand Anthropic.
A new group of competitors
Smartphone makers are expanding into humanoid robotics as artificial intelligence moves from screens into physical machines.
Companies such as Honor, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo are investing in agentic AI platforms that could power future robots, while startups like Unitree demonstrate rapid advances in mobility and dexterity.
Leveraging strengths in hardware, sensors, batteries, and software ecosystems, these firms could accelerate the arrival of humanoid assistants for homes, retail, and service industries, reshaping the post-smartphone era.