SoftBank Snags ABB’s $5.4B Robotics Division, Supercharging Global AI Efforts
On Wednesday, SoftBank Group revealed its plans to acquire ABB’s robotics division, a Swiss company, for approximately $5.4 billion, as per reports. This development signifies a significant advancement in founder Masayoshi Son’s initiative towards artificial intelligence and automation. The acquisition is set to proceed through a newly established holding company, subject to regulatory approvals in the European Union, the US, and China. SoftBank anticipates that the deal will reach closure sometime between the middle and late parts of 2026.
“This acquisition 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,” Son stated. Son has characterized the upcoming technological frontier as “physical AI,” a term that denotes AI-powered machines that possess the ability to perceive, interpret, and act within the real world. The acquisition of ABB is in harmony with this vision, as stated. ABB Robotics is a prominent producer of industrial robots, which are utilized in the manufacturing sectors of automotive and electronics. In 2024, it reported revenue of $2.3 billion, reflecting a 7 per cent decline from the previous year, and an Ebitda of $313 million, which is down 19 per cent. Approximately 7,000 individuals are employed by the division.
SoftBank has established a significant presence in the robotics sector, owning several companies such as SoftBank Robotics Group, the warehouse automation firm Berkshire Grey, and the Norwegian storage robotics company AutoStore. The acquisition of ABB will undoubtedly enhance this global portfolio. SoftBank announced its intention to “reignite” growth in ABB’s robotics business through investments in advanced technologies such as AI. An intermediate holding company, Robo Holdings, has been established to consolidate its 20 investments related to robotics. According to the report, by incorporating ABB into this framework, SoftBank seeks to take the lead in the development of AI and robotics. The company also plans to develop automated industrial complexes in the US, incorporating AI-powered robots directly into factory production lines. These facilities will utilize computing resources from SoftBank’s US-based AI infrastructure initiative, Stargate. In a significant move last month, SoftBank revealed that it has reduced its Vision Fund workforce by nearly 20 percent globally, directing its attention towards Son’s expansive AI initiatives in the United States.
The Vision Fund currently has a workforce of more than 300 individuals around the world. In a surprising turn of events, this reduction in workforce occurred not due to financial losses, but rather following the fund’s most robust quarterly performance since June 2021. This success was bolstered by significant gains in Nvidia and the South Korean ecommerce giant, Coupang. The remaining staff will concentrate on initiatives such as the proposed $500 billion Stargate project, which seeks to establish a network of US data centres in collaboration with OpenAI.
