SoftBank Group, the biggest Japanese investing conglomerate, added the robotics unit from ABB Group. This acquisition is a big step up in the company’s technology portfolio. This strategic initiative underscores SoftBank’s commitment to powering the next generation of physical AI. The firm views this technology as a key frontier for future development.
The combined robotics division, which used to be under ABB Group, is on track to make over $2.3 billion in revenue for 2024. That much revenue would represent around 7% of ABB’s total revenue, proof of just how important the unit is to its corporate parent. By contrast, its robotics unit brought in $2.5 billion last year.
Robotics is one of the four main pillars of focus for SoftBank Group, along with AI chips, AI data centers and energy. The conglomerate’s interest in robotics aligns with its broader vision of integrating AI technologies into various sectors, enhancing operational efficiencies and innovation.
There’s no question that SoftBank is timing this acquisition perfectly. Now the company is preparing to present its technology breakthroughs onstage at the TechCrunch Disrupt event in San Francisco, happening October 27-29, 2025. This event will be a unique platform for SoftBank to showcase its new initiatives and connect with industry trailblazers.
Sami Atiya, the head of the robotics division at ABB Group, will exit the company upon the completion of the acquisition. His clear-eyed, steady leadership has proven indispensable to forging that success, already evident by the award’s recognition of him as an indelible part of the division’s positive legacy.
Masayoshi Son, President and CEO of SoftBank Group, said, “Today’s agreement … opens the door to collaboration far beyond the telecom industry. He stated,
“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.”
This purchase launches SoftBank Group straight to the head of the robotics industry. It allows the firm to better leverage new technologies and genius talent. SoftBank’s smart bet on robotics and AI. Through this move it hopes to establish new best practices across the industry and strengthen its own competitive position in the quickly evolving capital-tech ecosystem.