On October 8, 2025, SoftBank Group announced it will acquire the robotics business of Swiss engineering firm ABB for $5.375 billion. The acquisition, which was announced by SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, is part of a strategic push to combine artificial intelligence (AI) with robotics and accelerate the concept of "Physical AI".
Key details of the deal:
- The price: SoftBank is buying the ABB robotics business for $5.375 billion.
- SoftBank's vision: Masayoshi Son has a long-term goal of fusing AI and robotics to create what he calls "Artificial Super Intelligence" (ASI), which he predicts will surpass human intelligence within the next decade. This acquisition combines SoftBank's AI technology with ABB's industrial hardware.
- ABB's rationale: ABB, which had planned to spin off the robotics unit, opted for the sale instead. The company stated that the robotics business had limited synergies with its other core operations and was more volatile. The sale creates immediate value for ABB shareholders, and the company will use the proceeds to focus on its core electrification and automation businesses.
- A contrast to past efforts: This deal marks SoftBank's largest robotics investment, but it follows a mixed history of other robotics bets. Previous ventures include the humanoid robot Pepper (which was discontinued) and the sale of Boston Dynamics to Hyundai.
- A major industrial robotics player: ABB's robotics division is one of the world's largest industrial robot manufacturers, with manufacturing hubs in China, the U.S., and Sweden. In 2024, the business generated $2.3 billion in revenue with a 12.1% operational profit margin.
- A shift away from spinoff: The sale to SoftBank changes ABB's strategic direction. The company had initially announced plans to spin off the unit as a separately listed public company, but the SoftBank offer reflected a more attractive valuation.
- SoftBank's broader AI strategy: The acquisition is part of a series of strategic moves by SoftBank to position itself at the center of the AI boom. This includes significant investments in AI chips (Arm Holdings), data centers, and a partnership with OpenAI and Oracle.
- Integration and growth: SoftBank plans to integrate ABB's hardware capabilities with its AI software stack, aiming to "reignite the robotics business's growth".
- Leadership change: Sami Atiya, who heads the ABB robotics division, will leave the company after a transition period.
- Regulatory approval: The deal is subject to regulatory approval in key jurisdictions like the EU, China, and the United States. SoftBank and ABB expect the transaction to close in mid-to-late 2026.
SoftBank to buy ABB's robot business for $5.4 billion in push to merge AI and robotics
SoftBank Group has agreed to buy the robotics business of Swiss engineering group ABB in a $5.4 billion deal, as the Japanese investor forges ahead with a strategy to fuse robotics and artificial intelligence.
www.reuters.com