AsianFin -- Chinese smartphone maker Vivo has launched its new mixed reality headset, the Vision Explorer Edition, positioning the device as part of its long-term strategy to expand into the robotics sector.

“Mixed reality devices could become an important interface for robot-related applications in the future,” said Hu Baishan, Vivo’s executive vice president and president of its Central Research Institute, at an industry forum on Thursday.

While near-term uses of MR headsets are largely confined to delivering larger screens and immersive experiences, Hu said the technology could ultimately function as the “eyes and brain” of household robots—enabling them to perceive their surroundings and make real-time decisions.

Vivo established a dedicated robotics lab in March, under Hu’s leadership, focused on developing decision-making systems and spatial awareness technologies. Mixed reality products, the company said, are likely to evolve into the “smart eyes” of robots, scanning environments and gathering data to guide autonomous actions.