Lenovo’s concept laptop unfolds itself and turns to follow you

Lenovo likes to show off concept devices at trade shows — earlier this year at MWC 2024, it exhibited a laptop with a transparent display. Fast forward to IFA 2024 in Berlin, and I’ve got my hands on Lenovo’s ‘AutoTwist’ laptop which can adjust the screen for you depending on what you’re doing. 

This proof of concept is ‘AI-powered’ — what isn’t these days? — and sees Lenovo using artificial intelligence for something different to the countless image generators and ChatGPT clones that are out there. There’s a more luxurious feel to the AI here that’s more akin to getting optional extras on a new car that mean the trunk will close for you or even reverse parallel park without you having to touch the steering wheel. 

So, what exactly can the Lenovo AutoTwist do? To start, the motorized hinge can move the screen to face you if, for example, you’re on a video call and move around (much like the Amazon Echo Show 10 smart display). Lenovo touts it as being suitable for presentations (if you’re on stage and move around a lot but need to see the screen at all times) and generic ‘personal use.’

It’s also voice-activated. You can use the command “Hi Twist” followed by “open lid,” “laptop mode,” and “tablet mode,” and the display will move to the correct position without you lifting a finger. 

Furthermore, it will also close automatically if you leave the laptop unattended, so someone doesn’t steal that amazing idea you just jotted down in a coffee shop while you pop to the bathroom. 

It worked impressively well during my hands-on time with the device, with the trio of micro-motors integrated into the hinge working responsively to the voice commands and movement. 

I’m also amazed at how thin and light the laptop is considering what it can do! The AutoTwist concept is only 1.27kg and 15.9mm. 

However, I do have some concerns as well.  

For starters, the display movement when following someone around the room was pretty jerky. I dare to think how shaky the video will be for the person at the other end. 

There’s also the question, as with things like folding phones, as to how long the motorized hinge will last. Lenovo says it’s good for more than 20,000 ‘times’ which a spokesperson confirmed means closing, opening or swiveling.  

Just 20 movements per day would mean it has a lifespan of 1,000 days, so not even three years.

Of course, Lenovo’s AutoTwist is just a proof of concept, so you won’t be able to go out and buy one any time soon. However, I could see Lenovo integrating the technology into a special ‘AutoTwist’ edition of a ThinkBook or ThinkPad after more development.  

The big question is how much that optional extra will cost if it does arrive on the market.