SoftBank Group has announced an agreement to acquire the robotics division of Swiss engineering giant ABB in a $5.4 billion (JPY 818.7 billion) deal, marking one of its biggest bets yet on artificial intelligence and next-generation robotics. The acquisition, approved by SoftBank’s board, is expected to close in mid-to-late 2026 following regulatory clearances in the EU, China, and the U.S.
This move signifies SoftBank founder and CEO Masayoshi Son’s renewed focus on robotics and AI, after a period of reduced investment activity. The ABB unit, which employs about 7,000 people, generated $2.279 billion in sales in 2024 vs $2.452 billion in 2023 vs $2.258 billion in 2022. The ABB unit will join SoftBank’s robotics ecosystem, which includes investments in Berkshire Grey, AutoStore, Agile Robots, Skild AI, and the humanoid Pepper.
SoftBank aims to integrate ABB’s robotics platform with its AI capabilities and data-driven technologies to create next-generation intelligent automation systems. The acquisition aligns with SoftBank’s mission to advance what Son calls the “Information Revolution,” now transitioning from the smartphone era to one led by artificial intelligence.
ABB CEO Morten Wierod said both companies share the belief that “the world is entering a new era of AI-based robotics.” He noted that the partnership combines ABB’s deep industrial expertise with SoftBank’s strength in AI and computing.
ABB’s robotics business, which represents around 7 percent of the company’s total revenues, has faced profit pressure amid weaker industrial demand in Asia. ABB’s robotics business reported Operational EBITA of $277 million in 2024 vs $349 million in 2023.
The sale replaces ABB’s earlier plan to spin off the division, allowing it instead to focus on its core electrification and automation units.
SoftBank expects the acquisition to accelerate its efforts in four strategic domains — AI chips, AI robots, AI data centers, and energy — forming a foundation for the company’s long-term goal of realizing artificial super intelligence (ASI). ABB will receive about $5.3 billion in cash proceeds, which it plans to use for growth investments, acquisitions, and shareholder returns.
Following the announcement, ABB shares rose 3 percent in Zurich pre-market trading, while SoftBank shares edged up 1 percent in Tokyo, continuing a surge driven by investor enthusiasm for AI-linked companies.
The deal positions SoftBank as a major global force in industrial and service robotics, aiming to fuse ABB’s proven automation technologies with AI-driven intelligence for the factories and smart systems of the future.
Rajani Baburajan
