Honor's D1 Robot Wins Beijing Half-Marathon, Leveraging Smartphone Cooling Technology

Honor's humanoid robot D1 won Beijing's recent robot half-marathon, defeating established Chinese robotics names such as Unitree. The entry from smartphone maker Honor demonstrated an application of technologies from mobile devices, with its robot Lightning beating the human world record by more than six minutes.

South China Morning Post reported that Honor entered the humanoid robotics sector in 2025.

Cn that one reason for the D1 win was the transfer of smartphone cooling technology to robots, which kept the motor cool after running 21km. This adaptation allowed the robot to maintain performance over the demanding distance. The result illustrates the application of electronics suppliers' expertise to robotics.

Major smartphone suppliers including Lingyi iTech, Lens Technology and AAC Technologies supplied structural components for Honor’s D1. These firms provided essential parts that supported the robot's endurance and functionality during the race. South China Morning Post reported that such collaborations reflect a broader shift in the industry.

China’s smartphone and electronics supply chain is adapting its expertise to support the country’s humanoid robotics industry. Chinese electronics suppliers are pivoting towards humanoid robots as they seek growth beyond a slowing mobile market. The sector is targeting a robotics market that is moving towards mass production and large-scale deployment.

This pivot comes as component suppliers eye new opportunities in a fast-growing field. The adaptations demonstrate how established mobile technologies, like cooling systems, are being repurposed for robotics applications. Honor's success in the half-marathon provides a glimpse of this emerging crossover.