Honor’s new Robot Phone looks to boost global appeal with its nodding camera

Chinese smartphone manufacturer Honor has unveiled a new Robot Phone equipped with a motorized robotic camera designed to nod and interact with users. The innovative feature, activated by a hand gesture, allows for video stabilization and interaction through nodding and tilting. The camera, featuring a three-axis mechanical gimbal with four degrees of motion, requires 60 manufacturing processes and 100 precision components.

Beyond standard AI capabilities, the Robot Phone employs embodied AI to optimize video performance during calls and live streams. The device, targeting mobile filmmakers, has partnered with Arri, a German cinema camera maker, to enhance its imaging technology. The Robot Phone is set to launch in mainland China on Tuesday, priced at 9,999 yuan (approximately US$1,482).

This move comes as the industry faces challenges such as intense rivalry over AI integration, rising memory costs, component shortages, and a projected 14% decline in global smartphone shipments this year. Honor's strategy aligns with its larger goal of transitioning from a traditional smartphone brand to an AI device ecosystem, with a recent pledge of US$10 billion for AI transformation over five years.

The company has also been strengthening its ties to robotics, recently unveiling its first humanoid robot that won a gold medal at a Beijing humanoid half-marathon.