SoftBank has agreed to acquire ABB’s robotics business for $5.38 billion, marking the Japanese conglomerate’s largest strategic move into the AI robotics sector. The deal positions SoftBank to accelerate its “Physical AI” ambitions by combining ABB’s established robotics platform with its existing portfolio of AI and automation companies, targeting what CEO Masayoshi Son calls the next frontier toward artificial super intelligence.
What you should know: This acquisition represents SoftBank’s most significant investment in its AI robotics strategy, building on its mission to realize artificial super intelligence (ASI).
- SoftBank will acquire all shares of a newly carved-out ABB robotics holding company through a subsidiary, making it a fully owned division.
- The deal has board approval but requires regulatory clearance in the EU, China, and the United States, with closing expected in mid-to-late 2026.
- ABB’s robotics business brings globally recognized technology, extensive sales channels, and established customer relationships to SoftBank’s AI ecosystem.
The big picture: SoftBank is positioning itself at the center of what it sees as the next phase of technological evolution, moving beyond smartphones and internet connectivity into AI-powered physical systems.
- The company has identified four essential investment areas: AI chips, AI robots, AI data centers, and energy infrastructure.
- This acquisition will integrate with SoftBank’s existing robotics portfolio, including SoftBank Robotics Group, Berkshire Grey, AutoStore Holdings, Agile Robots, and Skild AI.
What they’re saying: Leadership from both companies emphasized the strategic alignment around AI-powered robotics innovation.
- “SoftBank’s next frontier is Physical AI. Together with ABB Robotics, we will unite world-class technology and talent under our shared vision to fuse Artificial Super Intelligence and robotics — driving a groundbreaking evolution that will propel humanity forward,” said Masayoshi Son, SoftBank’s Chairman and CEO.
- “ABB Robotics will benefit from the combination of its leading technology and deep industry expertise with SoftBank’s state-of-the-art capabilities in AI, robotics and next-generation computing,” added Morten Wierod, ABB’s CEO.
Why this matters: The acquisition signals a major consolidation in the AI robotics space, as tech giants race to build comprehensive platforms spanning hardware, software, and artificial intelligence.
- SoftBank’s approach of combining established industrial robotics with cutting-edge AI capabilities could accelerate the deployment of intelligent automation across manufacturing and logistics.
- The deal reflects growing confidence that AI-powered robotics represents the next major technological shift, following the evolution from personal computers to smartphones to generative AI.
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