SoftBank Group Corp. (SBG) has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire ABB’s robotics business for a total purchase price of approximately USD 5.375 billion (JPY 818.7 billion). The transaction, approved by SBG’s Board of Directors, remains subject to customary regulatory approvals in the European Union, China, and the United States, with closing expected in mid-to-late 2026.
SBG stated that the acquisition, announced on October 8, 2025 (Central European Time), aligns with its mission to advance artificial intelligence (AI) toward realizing artificial super intelligence (ASI) for the benefit of humanity. As part of this strategy, SoftBank continues to expand its focus on four key business areas: AI chips, AI robots, AI data centers, and energy, while also investing in companies at the forefront of generative AI.
SoftBank’s planned acquisition of ABB’s global robotics division aims to accelerate the integration of artificial intelligence and automation across industrial markets. (Photo courtesy of ABB Robotics)
The Acquisition is part of this strategy and is expected to significantly strengthen SBG’s AI robotics business. ABB’s robotics business is a globally recognized brand, renowned for its reliability and high performance, backed by extensive sales channels and strong customer relationships. SBG is well-positioned to reignite the growth of the robotics business, particularly through investment in cutting-edge technologies such as AI.
Following the Acquisition, the robotics platform, expertise, and existing local footprint will be complemented by the technological foundations of SBG’s existing robotics-related investments—SoftBank Robotics Group Corp., Berkshire Grey, Inc., AutoStore Holdings Ltd., Agile Robots SE, and Skild AI, Inc., among others—to accelerate innovation in AI robotics and drive progress and growth toward the realization of ASI.
Noted Masayoshi Son, Chairman and CEO of SoftBank Group Corp. “SoftBank’s next frontier is Physical AI. 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.”
Morten Wierod, CEO, ABB, said, “SoftBank will be an excellent new home for the business and its employees. ABB and SoftBank share the same perspective that the world is entering a new era of AI-based robotics and believe that the division and SoftBank’s robotics offering can best shape this era together. ABB Robotics will benefit from the combination of its leading technology and deep industry expertise with SoftBank’s state-of-the-art capabilities in AI, robotics and next-generation computing. This will allow the business to strengthen and expand its position as a technology leader in its field.”
The ABB Robotics division is a globally recognized brand renowned for its reliability and high performance, backed by an extensive sales network and long-term customer relationships. Its portfolio includes industrial robots, collaborative robotics systems, and flexible automation technologies used across automotive, electronics, logistics, and manufacturing sectors. In 2024, the division generated USD 2.279 billion in revenue, with an Operational EBITA of USD 277 million, and employed approximately 7,000 people worldwide.
As part of the transaction, ABB will carve out its robotics business into a newly established holding company headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland, led by Marc Segura, currently President of ABB Robotics Division. SoftBank will acquire 100 percent of the shares in this holding company through a subsidiary, after which it will become a wholly owned subsidiary of the SoftBank Group.
The transaction represents a strategic realignment for ABB, which will now sharpen its focus on its core electrification, motion, and process automation businesses. ABB confirmed that proceeds from the sale—estimated at USD 5.3 billion in cash—will be reinvested into technology development, production capacity expansion, and potential new acquisitions.
About SoftBank Group Corp.
Headquartered in Tokyo, SoftBank Group Corp. is a global investment holding company focused on advancing the “Information Revolution.” Through its portfolio of companies and funds, SBG invests in AI-driven innovation across telecommunications, semiconductors, robotics, data centers, and energy technologies. The group’s long-term mission is to realize Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI) that advances humanity through responsible innovation. For more information, visit https://group.softbank/en.
About ABB Robotics
Headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland, ABB Robotics is one of the world’s leading robotics and machine automation suppliers. The division designs and manufactures industrial and collaborative robots, software, and digital solutions that enable flexible, efficient, and sustainable manufacturing. ABB Robotics serves customers in automotive, electronics, logistics, and general industry, with approximately 7,000 employees in over 50 countries. To learn more, visit https://global.abb/group/en.
Source/Photo Credit: SoftBank Group Corp. / ABB Ltd
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Molly is the Founder, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief of Components Source Network, the industry’s first and only known 100% woman- and disability-owned and led B2B publishing platform serving the global high-tech manufacturing and engineering sectors. Her portfolio includes Robotics Industry Monthly and ten additional specialized e-news sites. With more than 25 years of experience spanning strategic technical marketing, public relations, and business development in highly specialized technical markets, she also leads Embassy Global, LLC, a virtual consultancy that has supported the growth of more than 200 high-tech industry brands worldwide since 2008. In addition to her publishing and advisory work, Molly has been appointed to serve as Second Vice Chair of the Government Team for the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) Forum, beginning in 2026, supporting policy development and advocacy initiatives advancing women-owned businesses. A long-standing voice for small business, supplier diversity, and women in STEM, she was also a 2025 finalist for the WBEC Metro New York Outstanding Advocate Award. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
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