Honor invests $10 billion to develop next-generation humanoid robots

Chinese technology company Honor has announced the launch of a large-scale five-year project to develop humanoid robots. The new strategic course is called the Alpha Plan and provides for an investment of $ 10 billion. The initiative marks the brand's move beyond the traditional mobile device market and solidifies its position in the fast-growing artificial intelligence and robotics sector.

According to the company, the project is aimed at creating a comprehensive AI ecosystem, which focuses on human-like machines capable of adaptive and safe interaction with the environment. The development is carried out by a specialized division of Honor, known as the laboratories of "embodied AI". Engineers are focused on biomechanics, motion control systems, energy efficiency, and algorithms for real-time interaction between robots and humans.

One of the first technological breakthroughs of the company was achieved in partnership with the Chinese startup Unitree. Using AI algorithms from Honor, the Unitree robot has set a world record, reaching a movement speed of up to 4 meters per second-almost twice as fast as the average human walking speed. This result demonstrates a high level of readiness of technologies for subsequent adaptation in real-world scenarios.

Although the exact areas of application of Honor's humanoid robots have not yet been disclosed, the company is considering the prospects for industrial automation, logistics, as well as their integration into the smart home ecosystem and other consumer solutions. This is not only about mechanical capabilities, but also about intelligent adaptation of the robot to everyday tasks and user interaction.

According to Honor CEO James Li Jian, Alpha Plan is a step towards a future in which artificial intelligence will become an integral part of everyday life and will be aimed at improving it. He stressed that the company relies on long-term transformation of the consumer experience, and not on short-term achievements.

Former CEO of the company George Zhao, in turn, noted that the philosophy of Honor is based on the principles of safety, ethical use of technology and creating a "natural" interaction between man and machine. This is especially important in the context of growing interest in autonomous system technologies and increased attention to their social and legal implications.

The timing of the commercial launch of robotic solutions has not yet been determined, but Honor intends to actively move in this direction, using both its own research and partnerships with relevant technology companies. With the current investment volume and scientific base, the company expects to become one of the leaders of the new market in the coming years.

The field of human-like robotics is becoming increasingly competitive: previously, similar initiatives were presented by such giants as Xiaomi and Tesla. Global interest in this area is accompanied by an increase in investment volumes and an active race for technological superiority.

Honor's Alpha Plan is not only a technology project, but also part of a large-scale vision of transforming the future with artificial intelligence.