PhoneBot uses a smartphone to walk, track people and take pictures

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  Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles, have developed PhoneBot, a small two-legged robot that carries and uses a smartphone.

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  The robot can walk, track a person and stand up after falling face down, according to initial demonstrations.

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  Its smartphone camera can detect and track people, and the robot can position itself to take pictures.

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  PhoneBot is about 19 inches tall, weighs about four pounds and was presented as a research platform.

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  The researchers have tested it on flat terrain and plan to investigate its use on uneven surfaces.

Who

Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles, developed PhoneBot.

What

It is a two-legged robot that carries a smartphone and can walk, track people and position itself to take pictures.

When

The article was published on 12 October 2026.

Where

Not stated.

Why

It was designed as a platform for research; the researchers say it could also make humanoid robotics more accessible.

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