Chinese technology company Honor set the stage for the Mobile World Congress 2026 on Sunday by unveiling what it describes as the industry's first "Robot Phone", alongside the introduction of its proprietary "Augmented Human Intelligence" philosophy.

At a global launch event held ahead of the official start of MWC Barcelona, Honor CEO Li Jian detailed the company's latest innovation, positioning it as a paradigm shift in mobile technology. The device, which the company categorizes as a new species of smartphone, is distinguished by the integration of a three-axis gimbal camera system — a first for the industry.

According to the company, the new product synergizes two core AI capabilities: embodied intelligent interaction and flagship-level imaging. This convergence aims to deliver what Honor terms an "embodied AI experience", enabling functionalities such as full-angle AI video calls, expressive body-language interaction, and rhythmic motion coordination. On the imaging front, the device incorporates cinema-level performance features, including advanced anti-shake video stabilization and AI-driven object tracking.

Concurrent with the hardware launch, Honor formally proposed its AHI framework.

"The essence of artificial intelligence is people-centered," Li said.

"It should combine intelligence quotient with emotional intelligence, enhancing humanity's ability to adapt, evolve and enjoy the present in a rapidly changing world. That is the AHI philosophy Honor believes in."

Further elaborating on the company's strategic direction, Fang Fei, president of Honor's product line, contextualized the launch within a broader industry evolution.

"For the past two decades, the phone has been a passive screen. But AI changes everything. We believe we are on the cusp of a hardware revolution," Fang said.

In addition to the conceptual Robot Phone, Honor also launched its latest flagship foldable device, the Magic V6, to the global market. The company highlighted its ultra-slim profile, with a folded thickness of just 8.75 mm. The event also featured the debut of Honor's first humanoid robot, signaling the company's expanding ambitions beyond traditional mobile form factors.

MWC Barcelona 2026 is scheduled to run from March 2 to 5, hosting over 100 pavilions representing a global cross-section of countries, regions, and cutting-edge technologies.