SoftBank Group has announced its agreement to acquire the robotics division of Swiss engineering firm ABB for approximately $5.4 billion.
This strategic move underscores SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son’s commitment to expanding the company’s footprint in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technologies.
The acquisition will be executed through a newly established holding company, Robo Holdings, which will consolidate SoftBank’s existing robotics investments, including SoftBank Robotics Group, Berkshire Grey, and AutoStore.
The deal is subject to regulatory approvals in the European Union, the United States, and China, with an expected closing date between mid- and late-2026.
ABB’s robotics division, employing approximately 7,000 individuals, generated $2.3 billion in revenue in 2024, accounting for about 7% of ABB’s total revenue.
The division produces industrial robots utilized in sectors such as automotive and electronics manufacturing. ABB had previously considered spinning off this unit but decided to sell it to SoftBank to focus on its core businesses of electrification and automation.
Morten Wierod, CEO of ABB, stated that the merger would combine ABB’s leading technology and industry expertise with SoftBank’s advanced capabilities in AI and robotics, positioning both companies to shape the future of AI-based robotics.
For SoftBank, this acquisition aligns with its vision of “physical AI,” referring to AI-powered machines capable of perceiving, interpreting, and interacting with the physical world.
Masayoshi Son emphasized that the integration of ABB’s robotics division would unite world-class technology and talent under a shared vision to drive a groundbreaking evolution in AI and robotics.
The transaction also reflects a strategic shift for ABB, which plans to utilize the proceeds from the sale to invest in organic growth, pursue acquisitions, and return capital to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks.
This acquisition marks a significant step in SoftBank’s ongoing efforts to lead in the AI and robotics sectors, reinforcing its position as a major player in the global technology landscape.
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