SoftBank to Acquire ABB’s Robotics Unit for $5.4 Billion to Advance Physical AI and ASI Ambitions

SoftBank Group announced on Monday that it has agreed to acquire ABB’s robotics division for $5.4 billion, marking a major step in its strategy to expand into artificial intelligence, particularly in the realm of Physical AI. The transaction, which remains subject to global regulatory approvals, ends ABB’s plans to spin off its robotics unit as a standalone, publicly traded company. In a statement, SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son described the acquisition as a pivotal move in the company’s mission to lead the next technological frontier. “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,” Son said. Artificial Super Intelligence, or ASI, is Son’s ambitious vision for AI systems that are 10,000 times more intelligent than humans. This acquisition aligns with SoftBank’s broader strategy to position itself at the heart of the AI revolution. The company already holds a significant stake in OpenAI and owns Arm, a leading semiconductor design firm, giving it a strong foundation in both AI infrastructure and chip technology. SoftBank’s portfolio already includes several robotics-related ventures, such as AutoStore Holdings and Agile Robots, making the ABB acquisition a natural extension of its existing investments in physical automation and intelligent systems. Morten Wierod, who took over as CEO of ABB in August 2024, had previously advocated for the spin-off of the robotics business as a strategic move to unlock value. However, the company now says the sale will deliver immediate benefits to shareholders. ABB stated it will use the proceeds from the transaction in accordance with its established capital allocation principles, likely reinvesting in core operations and other strategic initiatives. The deal underscores the growing convergence between AI and robotics, as companies seek to build intelligent machines capable of interacting with the physical world. With this acquisition, SoftBank aims to accelerate innovation at the intersection of advanced AI and real-world automation, positioning itself as a key player in the future of intelligent systems.