The acquisition has received approval from the Board of Directors of the Japanese conglomerate and is pending regulatory approvals in the European Union, China, and the United States, with the completion expected in the second half of 2026.
Softbank anticipates that the acquisition of ABB will “significantly strengthen” its robotics business related to artificial intelligence (AI), a field it has been investing in.
“After the acquisition, the existing robotic platform, experience, and local presence will be complemented with the technological foundations of Softbank group’s existing investments related to robotics (…) to accelerate innovation in AI robotics and drive progress and growth towards achieving super artificial intelligence (SIA),” stated Softbank.
These investments refer to SoftBank Robotics, Berkshire Grey, AutoStore Holdings2, Agile Robots, and Skild AI.
The agreement signifies that ABB has abandoned its original plan to separately open capital for its industrial automation business, which competes with other companies such as Japan’s Fanuc and Yaskawa, and Germany’s Kuka in the manufacturing of industrial robots.
According to the details revealed by Softbank, ABB will proceed with the spinoff of its robotics business into a newly created holding, allowing the Japanese group, through a subsidiary, to acquire all shares of the new company.
“The next frontier for Softbank is physical AI. Together with ABB Robotics, we will bring together top-tier technology and talent under our common vision of merging super artificial intelligence and robotics, driving a revolutionary evolution,” stated Softbank’s CEO, Masayoshi Son, in a statement.
The CEO of ABB, Morten Wierod, stated that the operation “will enable the business to strengthen and expand its position as a technological leader in the sector.”
