SoftBank announced the acquisition of ABB Group’s robotics business for $5.375 billion, saying that “physical artificial intelligence” will be its new strategic direction. The deal is planned to be completed in 2026.
SoftBank to buy ABB robotics business for $5.4 billion to develop “physical AI”
Japanese investment giant SoftBank Group announced the acquisition of the robotics unit of Switzerland’s ABB Group for $5.375 billion.
The company announced this on Wednesday, adding that the deal is at the regulatory approval stage and could be completed in mid-to-late 2026.
The head of the unit, Sami Atiya, will leave ABB after the deal closes.
7,000 employees and $2.3 billion in revenue
ABB’s robotics business employs about 7,000 people and makes industrial robots and equipment for assembly, painting, cleaning and packaging. In 2024, it generated $2.3 billion in revenue — 7% of ABB’s total revenue, down from $2.5 billion in 2023.
ABB announced plans to spin off the division into a separate company in April.
Masayoshi Son: “The next frontier is physical AI”
SoftBank Chairman and CEO Masayoshi Son said the acquisition of ABB Robotics is part of the company’s larger strategy to create “physical AI.”
“Together with ABB Robotics, we will bring together the world’s technological expertise and talent to combine artificial superintelligence with robotics — and usher in a new era that will advance humanity,” said Son.
SoftBank says robotics is one of the company’s four key growth areas, along with AI chips, data centers and energy.
From smartphones to superintelligence
SoftBank said the focus of the “information revolution” has shifted from personal computers and the internet to a new era led by artificial intelligence.
The company’s goal is to realize the concept of artificial superintelligence (ASI) for the benefit of humanity.
Background
SoftBank already has a significant presence in the robotics sector, with investments in AutoStore, Skild AI, Agile Robots and other startups.
Back in 2014, she created her own platform, SoftBank Robotics Group, which is known for its Pepper and Whiz robots.
