SoftBank Group, a renowned Japanese conglomerate specializing in investments, recently announced the acquisition of ABB Group’s robotics business unit for $5.375 billion. This move signifies SoftBank’s strategic investment in the field of physical Artificial Intelligence (AI), marking it as the next frontier for the financial giant. The acquisition, subject to regulatory approval, is expected to be finalized in mid-to-late 2026.
Upon completion of the acquisition, Sami Atiya, the head of ABB’s robotics division, will exit the company. ABB’s robotics unit, employing approximately 7,000 individuals, offers a range of robots and equipment designed for various tasks such as picking, cleaning, and painting. The division generated $2.3 billion in revenue in 2024, accounting for 7% of ABB’s total revenue. This acquisition follows ABB’s announcement to spin out its robotics group earlier in April.
SoftBank’s interest in robotics has been growing steadily in recent years, with investments in established players like AutoStore and startups such as Skild AI and Agile Robots. The conglomerate also established its own robotics platform, SoftBank Robotics Group, in 2014. Masayoshi Son, SoftBank’s chairman and CEO, expressed the company’s vision to merge Artificial Super Intelligence and robotics to drive significant advancements for humanity.
According to SoftBank, robotics is a key focus area along with AI chips, AI data centers, and energy. The company envisions artificial super intelligence (ASI) as the next phase of the Information Revolution, aiming to leverage technology for the betterment of society. As part of its mission, SoftBank aims to propel humanity forward by harnessing the potential of AI and robotics.
In addition to robotics, SoftBank’s interests span various sectors including AI, biotech, healthcare, cloud computing, commerce, transportation, and more. The company’s strategic investments and acquisitions reflect its commitment to technological innovation and driving progress across industries.
As SoftBank continues to expand its portfolio in the realm of robotics and AI, the acquisition of ABB’s robotics business unit represents a significant step towards realizing its vision of advancing technology for a brighter future.
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