Beyond phones: vivo’s bold leap into robotics and mixed reality

When does a smartphone company stop being just a smartphone company?

For vivo, the answer came to light at this year’s Boao Forum for Asia, one of Asia’s most influential economic summits. During the event, the brand unveiled its big ambition of going beyond creating mobile devices for its users and making official moves into the world of robotics and mixed reality (MR). This pivot signals much more than a new product line – it reflects vivo’s evolving philosophy of putting humanity at the heart of technology.

Redefining the Future: vivo Bets on Robots, Mixed Reality with User-first Approach

Looking back at vivo’s 30-year development history, the company always prioritizes users’ concerns and considers humanistic technology to be its greatest differentiation point. “vivo Sight” uses AI to convert visual information into voice prompts that can assist visually impaired users, and “vivo Voice” strives to enable over 400 million people worldwide who have hearing impairments to hear the ‘echo’ of code in the silent world.

Entering a new phase, vivo not only served as a strategic partner of the event for the fourth consecutive year but also joined the Boao Forum for Asia Board of Directors as a new member. The company used the platform to showcase its vision of a future that blends cutting-edge innovation with deep-rooted human values. Notably, the vivo X200 Ultra, launched in April, was recognized as the “Official Smartphone of the Boao Forum for Asia,” further underscoring vivo’s growing influence and commitment to excellence.

During the “vivo Release Moment” session, Hu Baishan, vivo’s Executive Vice President and COO, outlined the company’s bold ambition to bring humanity closer to technology; not only through smartphones, but also through advancements in robotics and mixed reality. “Robots represent the future of the mobile phone industry. They serve as a bridge between the physical and digital worlds, guided by human-centric values and designed around real-world user scenarios to deliver truly exceptional experiences,” Hu said. This philosophy anchors vivo’s strategic expansion into robotics and underpins the debut of its vivo Vision MR headset.

Unlike many existing robots that operate in isolation from the digital world, vivo envisions intelligent companions that connect with users physically, emotionally, and digitally. As developed countries face aging populations, fragmented family structures, and a growing number of people living alone, Hu Baishan believes robots will become an integral part of the household, much like family members. “We have to solve what the user’s needs for robots are within the family,” Hu noted, underscoring vivo’s user-first approach. He emphasized that future robots must meet both the physical and emotional needs of users.

Building on its strong track record in imaging, AI, and localized, personalized data, vivo is now channeling its expertise into developing the “brain” and “eyes” of next-generation home robots. Transitioning from smartphones to robotics, the company estimates it can transfer approximately 80% of its existing technological capabilities to this new frontier. To complete the system, vivo is actively seeking partners to co-develop the mechanical “limbs” of these intelligent machines. A prototype family robot could be unveiled within the next three to five years, with commercial models expected to follow within five to eight years.

At the same time, the launch of the new vivo Vision MR headset and continued investment in 6G innovation reflect vivo’s commitment to reshaping how people engage with immersive digital worlds.

Rooted Locally: How vivo Connects with Filipino Consumers

While vivo’s ambitions soar globally, its success is built on something closer to home: understanding people, culture, and daily life in every market it serves. In the Philippines, this “more local, more global” approach is already a winning formula.

Since entering the market in 2016, vivo Philippines has successfully blended global innovation with strong local relevance. With accessible pricing strategies and a nationwide retail network that includes 328 vivo exclusive stores, the brand ensures its cutting-edge technology and seamless user experience reach every corner of the country, making innovation more accessible to Filipino consumers.

Its collaboration with ZEISS has turned vivo into a go-to brand for smartphone photography enthusiasts, with highlights like the vivo X200 Pro’s 200MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera winning acclaim across the country. Through each device, vivo aims to enhance the quality of life and create impactful experiences for millions of Filipinos.

vivo’s Long Game: A Commitment to Long-Term Innovation

Behind these bold product innovations and localized strategies lies a company that has quietly become one of the world’s most influential tech brands. vivo now serves more than 500 million users across 60+ countries and regions. In 2024, it was the fastest-growing brand among the world’s top five smartphone makers, and was named one of the Top 50 Most Valuable Chinese Brands by Kantar BrandZ.

Today, more than half of vivo’s total revenue comes from sales outside China, and this number is expected to rise to 70 percent by 2027. Despite its scale, vivo’s formula is rooted in its core business philosophy: long-termism, humanistic thinking, and focus on collaboration and mutual achievement.

The company doesn’t plan to slow down its momentum but rather seize this opportunity to strengthen its presence in the global market. “We will continue to invest in long-term technology and continue to create new things,” shared Hu. “This is the path we want to continue on and work hard to shape the future.” It’s a vision rooted in “benfen”—vivo’s core belief in doing the right thing and doing things right, with the ultimate goal of creating value for society.

From Boao Forum to the Philippines and beyond, vivo is demonstrating that the future isn’t just about fast-moving technology; it’s about technology driven by purpose, guided by intention, and built for impact.

ADVT.

This article is brought to you by vivo.

Read more stories here:

Why every Filipino needs durable phone like vivo V50 Lite

Pinoy shoppers, get ready, Watsons May Sale: Up to 50% off & B1T1 nationwide

 Tendo by Tonik now available at Concentrix to elevate workplace financial wellness