Could robot phones be the next leap in physical AI? |
03-01-2026IMPACT COUNCIL
Could robot phones be the next leap in physical AI?
It’s time to rethink the familiar slab smartphone.
[Photo: Getty Images]
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Smartphones have been the greatest drivers of creative democratization over the past 15 years, giving people a powerful voice and platform. Recent advancements in the “brains” behind these devices are almost limitless, from their software and processing power to their AI capabilities. But what about their bodies? For years, the smartphone’s physical form has remained a familiar slab of glass and ceramic. This form factor, once revolutionary, is now becoming a physical constraint on creativity.
Over time, smartphone design has created a paradox. The very tool meant to capture our memories can prevent us from truly living in the moment. While the intention was to connect us, the focus on handheld screens can draw our attention away from the world around us. The numbers reflect this. Research from the Center for........