Honor Invests $10B in AI & Humanoid Robotics, CES 2026 Debut Planned

Honor, one of the of the most prominent smartphone manufacturers, has announced a strategic investment of $10 billion over the next five years into artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. The move is planned to focus more on AI-powered devices and shift the company's smartphone-centric approach.
Partnerships and Technological Innovations
A humanoid robot is reportedly being developed by Honor in collaboration with Unitree. The robot is capable of running at speeds up to 4 meters per second. Intelligent AI algorithms have been designed to make this possible. Honor is also said to have partnered with PaXini Tech, and both companies are set to roll out a robotic hand equipped with tactile sensors and computer vision for handling tasks in delicate environments.
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Expansion into Consumer Electronics and Logistics
With more emphasis on wearables, tablets, and smartphones, Honor is primarily focused on the consumer electronics industry. The idea envisions humanoid robots working in production settings, assisting in the construction of wearable and mobile phone components. Honor also intends to produce these robots on a big scale in order to improve both quality and cost effectiveness.
China's Role in the Global Robotics Landscape
Honor is helping China position itself as one of the leading forces in the humanoid robotics market. The projections say that the industry can reach a scale of $7 trillion by 2050. The company aligns well with China’s “Made in China 2025” initiative and excels in manufacturing sectors that involve robotics. The government supports the initiatives using subsidies, tax benefits, and even investment funds to some extent.
Looking Ahead: CES 2026 Debut
James Li, the CEO of Honor, has regarded this move as a strategic one to develop the company’s own AI ecosystem and hardware. The first humanoid robot is expected to be unveiled in the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) expected to take place in January 2026.