SoftBank, Japan’s technology and investment giant, has revealed plans to acquire ABB Group's renowned robotics division for $5.375 billion, marking a strategic leap into physical AI.
The purchase, announced on October 8, 2025, showcases SoftBank’s ambition to propel robotics as a core element of its future business.
The official agreement outlines that ABB’s Zurich-based robotics business will be spun into a new holding company, which SoftBank will acquire.
Completion is set for mid-to-late 2026, pending regulatory reviews across multiple jurisdictions.
ABB’s robotics division reported $2.3 billion in revenue for 2024, making up 7 percent of ABB’s overall annual earnings, while employing approximately 7,000 people globally.
Why Did SoftBank Target ABB’s Robotics Unit?
SoftBank’s robotics strategy has evolved rapidly, mirroring global interest in AI-driven automation. Executives emphasized that acquiring ABB’s robotics business positions SoftBank as a leader in the growing field of physical AI, or artificial intelligence applied to real-world machines.
Industry observers note this deal could catalyze a new wave of market innovation as SoftBank aims to advance “artificial super intelligence.”
SoftBank explained its mission is to realize artificial intelligence for human advancement, identifying robotics as one of four central areas alongside AI chips, data centers, and energy investments.
Acquiring ABB's robotics business fits this agenda, expands SoftBank’s market footprint, and provides access to proven technology and international operations.
Did you know?
ABB’s robotics division generated 7 percent of the group’s total revenue, employing about 7,000 people worldwide.
What Does ABB Robotics Bring to SoftBank?
ABB Robotics offers a robust portfolio of industrial robots and automation systems designed for various applications, including picking, cleaning, painting, and manufacturing.
The division is respected for its technical reliability and its steady global client base, which spans factories and logistics companies.
Recent data show that ABB Robotics earned $2.3 billion in revenue in 2024, although this figure was lower than its sales in the prior year, demonstrating the need for renewed growth initiatives.
A deep bench of experienced engineers and team leaders enhances ABB Robotics' offerings. The business unit’s scale and specialization in industrial robotics are advantages for SoftBank, providing not only a technological boost but also a global reach and reputation.
SoftBank aims to reignite sales in the robotics spinoff by utilizing its own AI investment expertise.
How Will SoftBank Integrate ABB’s Team and Technology?
SoftBank’s acquisition plan involves merging ABB’s robotics holding company with its existing robotics ecosystem, including SoftBank Robotics Group, Berkshire Grey, AutoStore, Agile Robots, and Skild AI.
The consolidation is intended to foster faster development of advanced robotics powered by generative AI and other high-performance technologies. SoftBank believes this mesh of talent and systems will drive strong interdisciplinary innovation.
ABB President Sami Atiya is expected to exit the company after the acquisition is completed. At the same time, SoftBank may appoint Marc Segura, current president of ABB Robotics, to help guide the new entity.
Integration will focus on connecting ABB’s industrial expertise with SoftBank’s cutting-edge AI software and investment capabilities, seeding collaborative projects across asset portfolios.
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What Is SoftBank’s Larger Robotics Vision?
SoftBank’s CEO, Masayoshi Son, has called physical AI the “next frontier,” emphasizing that robotics and AI must unite to bring about meaningful evolution for humanity.
The company’s investments demonstrate an effort to establish a comprehensive platform encompassing hardware, software, research, and commercialization.
By targeting industrial automation, SoftBank positions itself as a catalyst for both market growth and technology leadership.
SoftBank’s robotics vision aligns with its overall push for artificial superintelligence, a concept involving highly advanced AI capable of far-reaching applications.
Executives cite the importance of deep partnerships and cross-industry expertise, expecting synergies between ABB’s established operations and SoftBank’s agile innovation culture.
What Comes Next for Robotics under SoftBank?
Once the acquisition is finalized, SoftBank is likely to prioritize developing more intelligent and autonomous machines for the manufacturing and service industries.
The group will leverage ABB’s local footprint and client relationships to expedite market penetration and adoption of new AI-robotics solutions.
Both companies have issued statements highlighting the shared mission, and regulatory plans are in progress.
SoftBank has not yet disclosed its precise forecast for future financials or product launches, citing uncertainty around industry trends and regulatory outcomes.
Nevertheless, the move signals increased competition in robotics as major technology players target the physical AI revolution.
Future announcements will clarify the impact on financial results and provide insight into specific strategies.
SoftBank’s ambitious robotics acquisition sets the stage for broader change in the industrial and AI sectors.
As companies worldwide race toward more intelligent automation, this deal marks a potential turning point, opening new paths for technology, investment, and global collaboration.
With regulatory approval likely on the horizon, SoftBank’s leap into next-generation robotics could reshape the competitive landscape in 2026 and beyond.
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