SoftBank Group will acquire ABB Ltd’s robotics division for approximately $5.4 billion, marking one of its largest investments in artificial intelligence and automation to date. The deal, announced on October 8, is expected to close by mid-to-late 2026 pending regulatory approvals across the U.S., China, and the EU.
The acquisition advances SoftBank’s goal of developing “Physical AI”, the integration of artificial super intelligence with real-world robotics. “Together with ABB Robotics, we will unite world-class technology and talent under our shared vision to fuse Artificial Super Intelligence and robotics,” said SoftBank founder and CEO Masayoshi Son. The robotics business will be spun off into a new entity before becoming a SoftBank subsidiary.
For ABB, the sale allows the Swiss-based company to refocus on its core electrification and automation divisions, which deliver higher margins. ABB’s robotics unit generated $2.3 billion in revenue last year, about 7% of total sales, but had seen slower growth. Chairman Peter Voser said the deal “recognizes the long-term strength of the business while creating immediate value for ABB shareholders.”
The acquisition also represents a strategic opportunity for SoftBank to expand its robotics capabilities beyond software and telecommunications. The addition of ABB’s portfolio, which includes industrial automation systems and service robots, positions SoftBank as a leading player in the convergence of AI and robotics—a sector expected to drive the next wave of industrial transformation.
For ABB, the divestment provides capital for reinvestment and shareholder returns while aligning its operations with global demand for energy-efficient and automated infrastructure. Once completed, the transaction will stand as one of the largest in the global robotics industry and further solidify SoftBank’s role in shaping the future of AI-driven automation.
