TOKYO — SoftBank Group Corp. announced Monday that it has agreed to acquire the robotics division of Swiss engineering firm ABB for $5.4 billion, a move signaling the Japanese technology conglomerate’s renewed push into robotics and artificial intelligence.
The deal, subject to regulatory approval across multiple markets, marks one of SoftBank’s largest acquisitions in recent years as it seeks to position itself at the forefront of the global AI revolution.
The transaction will halt ABB’s previous plans to spin off its robotics unit into a separately listed company. ABB said the sale will create immediate value for shareholders, while SoftBank described the purchase as a critical step toward building what founder Masayoshi Son calls “Physical AI” the integration of robotics and artificial superintelligence.
SoftBank, led by billionaire entrepreneur Masayoshi Son, has long been known for bold bets in emerging technologies. The group already holds significant investments in AI related companies, including chip designer Arm and a major stake in OpenAI.
The acquisition of ABB’s robotics unit underscores Son’s ambition to combine advanced robotics with next generation AI systems capable of surpassing human intelligence.
“SoftBank’s next frontier is Physical AI,” Son said in a statement. “Together with ABB Robotics, we 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.”
The ABB robotics business is a leading supplier of industrial and collaborative robots across sectors such as automotive, electronics, logistics and manufacturing.
Under CEO Morten Wierod, who took the helm in August 2024, ABB had pursued a strategic spin off of the division. Instead, the sale to SoftBank will yield approximately $5.3 billion in cash proceeds, the company said, with around $200 million in separation costs already factored into its 2025 guidance.
Analysts see the deal as a calculated move for both sides. For ABB, the sale allows it to focus on core industrial automation and electrification businesses while generating immediate shareholder value. For SoftBank, the acquisition accelerates its pivot toward integrating AI with robotics a field often referred to as Physical AI.
“SoftBank is betting that the next wave of AI innovation will be embodied in physical machines, not just software,” said Mika Tanaka, a Tokyo based technology analyst at Nomura Research Institute.
By acquiring ABB’s robotics unit, they’re gaining access to proven industrial technologies and global clients, which could serve as a strong foundation for AI driven automation.
Industry experts also note that SoftBank’s previous attempts at consumer robotics, such as the humanoid robot Pepper, were commercially disappointing. However, with advances in AI and a renewed industrial focus, the company may be better positioned for success.
Unlike past efforts that targeted novelty markets, this acquisition centers on scalable, revenue generating robotics, said David Kemp, a robotics researcher at the University of Zurich. “If SoftBank aligns its AI investments with ABB’s operational expertise, the potential for innovation is enormous.”
According to market research firm Statista, the global robotics market is expected to reach $110 billion by 2030, driven by demand in manufacturing, logistics and healthcare. ABB ranks among the top three industrial robot suppliers worldwide, alongside Japan’s Fanuc and Germany’s KUKA.
SoftBank’s acquisition comes amid growing interest in AI integrated robotics from major technology players. In recent years, companies like Tesla and Figure have showcased humanoid prototypes, while Amazon and Google have expanded automation in logistics and smart home systems.
By acquiring ABB’s established robotics arm, SoftBank gains a competitive foothold in this evolving landscape. ABB reported $3.8 billion in revenue from its robotics segment in 2024, with strong growth in Asia and North America.
The division employs more than 11,000 people and operates manufacturing facilities in China, Sweden, and the United States.
Industry workers and customers reacted cautiously to the news. In Zurich, where ABB’s robotics headquarters is based, employees expressed both optimism and uncertainty.
“It’s exciting to think our work could be part of something much bigger with SoftBank’s AI vision,” said Lina Hoffmann, a senior robotics engineer. “But there are questions about integration and long term strategy.” In Japan, manufacturing executives welcomed the deal as a boost for innovation.
“Combining ABB’s robotics expertise with SoftBank’s AI capabilities could bring transformative efficiency to industries like automotive and electronics,” said Kenji Yamamoto, CEO of Nippon Manufacturing Systems. “It’s a sign that Japan wants to lead the Physical AI revolution.”
The acquisition still faces scrutiny from regulators in Europe, Asia and the United States, given ABB’s global footprint. Approval processes are expected to continue into early 2026.
If completed, the deal would reinforce SoftBank’s strategy of building an ecosystem around artificial superintelligence a concept Son has described as AI that is “10,000 times smarter than humans.”
By integrating such intelligence into robotics, SoftBank aims to shape the future of automation across sectors from logistics and healthcare to urban infrastructure.
For ABB, the divestment frees up capital for reinvestment in electrification and energy management businesses, areas that are becoming increasingly important in the global transition to clean energy.
SoftBank’s $5.4 billion purchase of ABB’s robotics unit marks a major step in its quest to merge artificial intelligence with robotics a vision Son calls “Physical AI.”
While challenges remain in execution and integration, the deal positions SoftBank as a leading player in the race to harness AI’s power in the physical world.
For ABB, the sale represents a strategic shift toward its core businesses, offering immediate financial gains and renewed focus.
As both companies chart new paths, the acquisition underscores the growing convergence of robotics and AI at the heart of global industrial transformation.