SoftBank Group Corp. agreed to acquire ABB Ltd.’s robotics division for $5.375 billion (¥818.7 billion), marking Masayoshi Son’s latest wager on artificial intelligence despite the unit’s faltering performance and his checkered history in the sector.
The Swiss engineering firm’s robotics business generated $2.28 billion in revenue last year, down from $2.45 billion in 2023, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization slumped 19% to $313 million. The division, which employs roughly 7,000 people and supplies industrial robots to manufacturers including BMW AG, had been slated for a standalone listing before SoftBank intervened.
The deal scuttled ABB’s spin-off plans after analysts valued the business at less than $4 billion. ABB shares climbed 2% in Zurich following the announcement, while SoftBank dropped 2% in Tokyo.
Son described the acquisition as part of his “Physical AI” strategy, combining robotics with artificial intelligence. The billionaire plans to integrate ABB’s operations with existing holdings including AutoStore, Berkshire Grey and Agile Robots. However, SoftBank’s robotics ventures have delivered mixed results—its Pepper humanoid robot was discontinued this year after years of losses, and it sold Boston Dynamics in 2021 following extensive investments.
The transaction requires regulatory approvals in the European Union, China and the United States, with completion expected between mid-to-late 2026. ABB will deploy proceeds toward its more profitable electrification and automation businesses.
