SoftBank has agreed to purchase ABB’s robotics division for $5.4 billion, marking another bold step in the Japanese group’s push into artificial intelligence and advanced automation. The deal underscores SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son’s vision to create a full AI ecosystem spanning robotics, data centers, chips, and energy infrastructure.
Son has long positioned AI as a transformative technology, describing it as a “defining force shaping humanity’s future.” Through SoftBank and its investment arms, he has forged relationships with some of the biggest names in AI, including OpenAI, Nvidia, Intel, and Oracle. With ABB Robotics now in the fold, he sees a path to combining robotics with AI to advance what he calls “artificial superintelligence.”
“SoftBank’s next frontier is Physical AI,” Son said. “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.”
The acquisition comes amid a strong year for SoftBank shares, which have more than doubled to over ¥20,000 ($130), fueled in part by excitement around OpenAI and ChatGPT’s soaring valuation. On Wednesday, SoftBank shares fell slightly by 2 percent, while ABB shares rose 1 percent.
Financing for the deal is still being finalized. A SoftBank spokesperson said the group is evaluating a combination of asset-backed financing, cash reserves, and debt, aiming to complete the transaction by mid- to late 2026.
Once finalized, ABB’s robotics division will join SoftBank’s existing robotics portfolio, which includes SoftBank Robotics (humanoid and logistics robots), Berkshire Grey (logistics automation), and specialist firms like AutoStore, Agile Robots, and Skild AI. The acquisition is expected to accelerate innovation in AI-driven robotics and advance SoftBank’s long-term goal of developing artificial superintelligence.
ABB’s robotics business is known for creating industrial and collaborative robots for factories and warehouses. These machines range from large-scale arms used in manufacturing to smaller robots that safely work alongside humans. ABB also develops the software, sensors, and systems that make these robots adaptable and intelligent.
In 2024, ABB’s robotics unit generated $2.3 billion in revenue, accounting for about 7 percent of ABB’s total sales and employing roughly 7,000 people. The sale means ABB has abandoned earlier plans to spin off the division as a separate listed company, while the deal is expected to bring in net cash proceeds of $5.3 billion.
SoftBank sees the acquisition as a chance to reignite growth in ABB Robotics, leveraging investments in AI and cutting-edge automation technology. The deal highlights the growing trend of combining traditional industrial robotics with AI capabilities to create more flexible, intelligent, and efficient machines.
With this move, SoftBank strengthens its position as a key player in the AI-driven robotics space, setting the stage for what Son envisions as a future where artificial superintelligence and robotics converge to transform industries and daily life.