Smartphone makers eye robotics as second growth curve

On a factory floor inside tech firm Xiaomi, its humanoid robot Cyber-One is learning to work. Another humanoid robot built by smartphone maker Honor is preparing to run a half marathon in Beijing.

Two scenes, miles apart, but one question connecting them. Why are Chinese smartphone makers moving quickly to develop humanoid robots?

That contrast is not accidental. It reveals two distinct strategies, and a much bigger shift across the industry.