Honor Robot Phone: A breakthrough with a gimbal camera module integrated with a robotic arm.
Leaked real-life videos of the Honor Robot Phone reveal a unique gimbal camera mechanism capable of automatically tracking subjects and a distinctively thick body design.
Honor is attracting attention in the tech world as it prepares to introduce its "Robot Phone" at the World AI Conference (WAIC) on July 18th in China. A recently leaked video reveals details about the operating mechanism of its unique gimbal camera module, marking a new step in its efforts to integrate intelligent mechanical components into mobile devices.
Operating mechanism of the integrated robotic arm
The biggest highlight of the Honor Robot Phone lies in its camera system with the ability to move physically. Instead of being fixed like traditional smartphones, this camera module is mounted on a miniature robotic arm inside the phone's body. When the user activates it via a dedicated button in the camera app, this arm pushes the gimbal module up from the phone's surface.
From what I've seen in the video, this system isn't just a simple retractable module. The gimbal camera cluster is capable of automatically locking onto a target and rotating to track the subject even when the user moves the phone slightly. This mechanism helps achieve high stability and flexible shooting angles without the need for external stabilization equipment. The camera cluster will automatically reorient itself to smoothly capture the scene the user is focusing on.
A design that strikes a trade-off between functionality and slimness.
Integrating a complex mechanical system including a robotic arm and gimbal requires significant physical space. Leaked videos show that the Honor Robot Phone has a body thickness that is significantly greater than current smartphone standards. In particular, the camera island is designed to be very thick to house the entire movement mechanism and optical system.
In addition, the physical button layout has also changed. On the right side of the device, besides the power button and volume buttons, Honor has added a new capacitive touch button. This button is said to be for advanced camera control, allowing users to quickly access the features of the integrated robotics system. This demonstrates Honor's prioritization of professional photography and videography experiences over the traditional slim and lightweight design.
Prospects and release date
Although Honor has confirmed the design and some specifications, the likelihood of this device being widely available internationally remains uncertain. Currently, the company is focusing on the Chinese market with plans for an official launch in the third quarter of this year. Pre-order programs have already begun in the domestic market.
The appearance of the Honor Robot Phone at WAIC shows that the company wants to redefine the concept of AI smartphones. Here, artificial intelligence is not limited to software algorithms but also directly controls mechanical parts to assist users in real-world tasks. Overall, this is a bold move by Honor in exploring new limits for smartphone hardware.
