SoftBank’s $5.4 Billion ABB Robotics Deal Fuels AI and Automation Ambitions

SoftBank Group Corp. (TYO:9984) saw its shares surge on Thursday after announcing plans to acquire Swiss technology giant ABB’s (SIX:ABBN) robotics division for approximately $5.4 billion. The move underscores SoftBank’s growing commitment to artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technologies, marking one of its largest acquisitions in recent years.

Following the announcement made late Wednesday, SoftBank’s stock jumped as much as 13%, reaching 23,335 yen in Tokyo trading. The surge reflects investor optimism about SoftBank’s long-term strategy to expand its “Physical AI” initiative—an ambitious plan that integrates robotics with advanced machine learning systems.

Under the agreement, ABB will separate its robotics business, which currently employs around 7,000 people and reported $2.3 billion in revenue in 2024, into a new holding company. This new entity will then be transferred to SoftBank once regulatory approvals are secured. The deal is expected to close in mid- to late-2026, pending clearance from authorities in the United States, European Union, and China.

SoftBank founder and CEO Masayoshi Son emphasized that the acquisition aligns perfectly with the company’s mission to drive the future of “Physical AI.” By combining ABB’s world-class robotics technology with SoftBank’s AI expertise, the group aims to accelerate innovation across industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and autonomous systems.

This acquisition strengthens SoftBank’s portfolio of AI-driven ventures and reaffirms its position as a leading force in the global automation revolution. As companies worldwide increasingly turn to robotics and intelligent systems, SoftBank’s strategic investment in ABB’s robotics division could become a cornerstone of its next wave of growth.