Vivo Sets New Direction with Strategic Expansion into Robotics and Mixed Reality
Vivo, a brand long associated with cutting-edge mobile devices, has signalled a significant transformation in its business focus, stepping beyond the confines of smartphone manufacturing. This shift was publicly highlighted during the recent Boao Forum for Asia, one of the continent’s most prominent economic platforms, where the company introduced its strategic entry into robotics and mixed reality (MR). More than a mere product diversification, this move encapsulates Vivo’s evolving philosophy that places human needs and experiences at the centre of technological advancement.
With a legacy spanning three decades, Vivo has consistently prioritised user needs and upheld humanistic technology as a defining pillar of its brand identity. Innovations such as “Vivo Sight”, which utilises artificial intelligence to convert visual content into voice prompts for the visually impaired, and “Vivo Voice”, aimed at enabling people with hearing challenges to engage with digital soundscapes, exemplify this ethos.
This year, Vivo’s role at the Boao Forum extended beyond that of a technology exhibitor. The company served as a strategic partner for the fourth consecutive time and joined the Board of Directors, underscoring its rising stature in the regional tech ecosystem. At the event, the brand showcased its newest flagship device, the Vivo X200 Ultra, which was named the “Official Smartphone of the Boao Forum for Asia”. This honour not only recognises the product’s advanced capabilities but also reinforces Vivo’s position as a technology leader committed to integrating innovation with broader societal relevance.
During a key session titled the “Vivo Release Moment”, Hu Baishan, the company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, outlined a future in which Vivo intends to connect humanity and technology on a deeper level. He detailed how robotics and MR are set to play a central role in Vivo’s strategy moving forward. According to Hu, robotics represents a pivotal evolution for the mobile industry, with machines envisioned not as standalone units but as integrated companions that bridge the digital and physical worlds, while remaining rooted in everyday human needs.
Unlike traditional robots, which often function independently from digital platforms, Vivo imagines a new generation of intelligent assistants capable of forming physical, emotional, and digital connections with their users. This perspective is particularly relevant in light of societal changes in more developed nations, where ageing populations and increasingly fragmented family structures have led to a rise in individuals living alone. Vivo believes robots can provide companionship and support in such contexts, becoming essential members of the household. The company’s focus remains on understanding and addressing the full spectrum of user requirements—both physical and emotional.
Leveraging its robust background in artificial intelligence, imaging technology, and personalised data solutions, Vivo is now directing these competencies toward the development of next-generation home robots. The company estimates that as much as 80 per cent of its existing technology can be adapted for use in this new domain. However, to complete the robotic ecosystem, Vivo is actively seeking partners to co-develop the mechanical components—the “limbs”—of these intelligent machines. According to current projections, a prototype of such a family robot may be ready within three to five years, with commercial availability potentially following within a decade.
Parallel to its robotics initiative, Vivo has also launched its Vision MR headset and is continuing its investment in 6G technology. These developments align with the company’s broader objective to transform how individuals interact with immersive digital environments, pushing the boundaries of what mixed reality can achieve in daily life.
Vivo’s expansion is not only technological but also geographical. In markets like the Philippines, the company has successfully tailored its global innovations to local preferences. Since entering the market in 2016, Vivo Philippines has combined competitive pricing with a strong retail presence, including 328 exclusive stores across the country. This approach ensures that even cutting-edge developments remain accessible to a wide range of users, reflecting Vivo’s commitment to democratising technology.
The company’s collaboration with optics specialist ZEISS has further bolstered its reputation among mobile photography enthusiasts. Flagship models like the Vivo X200 Pro, featuring a 200MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera, have garnered widespread acclaim and contributed to enhancing users’ everyday experiences.
Despite these ambitious ventures, Vivo remains grounded in a core philosophy centred on long-term commitment, collaborative growth, and ethical innovation. With over 500 million users in more than 60 countries, and as the fastest-growing brand among the top five smartphone manufacturers in 2024, Vivo continues to focus on sustained progress. It was also recognised as one of the Top 50 Most Valuable Chinese Brands by Kantar BrandZ.
Currently, more than half of Vivo’s revenue is generated outside of China, with expectations for this to rise to 70 per cent by 2027. This trend highlights the brand’s growing international footprint and its ability to resonate with diverse markets around the world. Yet, at its core, Vivo remains committed to “benfen”—a principle that emphasises doing the right thing in the right way. It’s this philosophy that informs Vivo’s dedication to creating value not only through products but through meaningful societal impact.
From its influential role at the Boao Forum to its expansive reach across the Philippines and beyond, Vivo is proving that technological evolution does not have to come at the expense of human connection. Instead, it is championing a future where innovation is intentional, inclusive, and deeply intertwined with the fabric of everyday life.
