TIME’s evaluation highlights the gimbal system, which extends from the back of the phone and rotates 360 degrees. AI-powered software enables the camera to track moving subjects or follow the user in selfie mode and interact with them. When not in use, the mechanism folds back into place, aligning seamlessly with the camera panel.
Keeps Users in the Frame
The HONOR Robot Phone’s integrated mechanical gimbal system works in tandem with AI-powered motion control. Thanks to AI-powered subject tracking and sound source positioning, the camera automatically moves horizontally and vertically to follow the user during recording. This design keeps users in the frame while they are vlogging, livestreaming or making video calls.
Hands-free motion controls also allow users to deploy the camera arm and start shooting without touching the device. As a result, the Robot Phone acts like a personal camera crew for users who create content on their own.
More Than 100 Components in a Compact Mechanism
Integrating a moving camera system into a smartphone requires sophisticated engineering to bring together a range of precision components. The four-degree-of-freedom mechanical system, featuring HONOR’s Titanium Agile Gimbal, incorporates more than 100 precision components and was developed through 60 manufacturing processes.
Thomas Bai, HONOR’s AI Product Expert, also highlighted the challenges involved in developing the gimbal system in comments featured in TIME’s coverage. Bai noted that HONOR developed its own micro motor during the process and integrated more than 100 new components into the device. After shooting, the camera arm folds back into the body, allowing the moving mechanism to fit within a pocket-friendly design.
Cinematic Imaging Through Collaboration with ARRI
The HONOR Robot Phone complements its moving camera design with features developed through its Cinematic Imaging Collaboration with ARRI. The device features a 200 MP Agile Gimbal Main Camera and a 200 MP Periscope Telephoto Camera to address a variety of shooting needs.
ARRI LogC3, ARRI Wide Gamut 3 and ARRI Looks technologies provide greater control over light, shadows and color in recorded footage. ARRI Looks allows users to preview cinematic color styles while shooting, while LogC3 recording helps preserve more image information for post-production editing and color grading. Footage can also be transferred to professional editing tools such as DaVinci Resolve.
AI SpinShot and various camera movement modes further help content creators capture smoother, more dynamic footage. By combining mechanical movement capabilities with artificial intelligence and advanced imaging technologies, the HONOR Robot Phone enhances the mobile content creation experience.
