What's Happening?
SoftBank has announced the acquisition of ABB Group's robotics business unit for $5.375 billion. The deal, subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close in mid-to-late 2026. ABB's robotics unit, which employs around 7,000 people, specializes in robots for tasks such as picking, cleaning, and painting. SoftBank aims to reignite sales at ABB's robotics spinoff, which saw a decline in revenue from $2.5 billion to $2.3 billion in 2024. This acquisition is part of SoftBank's strategy to focus on physical AI, alongside AI chips, AI data centers, and energy.
Why It's Important?
The acquisition marks a significant expansion of SoftBank's robotics portfolio, reinforcing its commitment to physical AI as a key area of growth. By integrating ABB's robotics expertise, SoftBank aims to drive innovation and enhance its capabilities in artificial super intelligence and robotics. This move could propel advancements in automation and AI, potentially impacting various industries and sectors. The acquisition aligns with SoftBank's mission to advance humanity through artificial super intelligence.
What's Next?
SoftBank will work on integrating ABB's robotics unit into its existing operations, focusing on enhancing sales and developing new technologies. The company plans to unite world-class technology and talent under a shared vision to fuse artificial super intelligence and robotics. As the deal progresses, SoftBank may explore further investments and partnerships to strengthen its position in the robotics and AI sectors.
