Tokyo/Zurich | October 8,2025 | SKY LINK TIMES
In a landmark move underscoring its renewed focus on artificial intelligence and automation, SoftBank Group Corp. has agreed to acquire ABB Ltd.’s robotics business at an enterprise value of nearly $5.4 billion. The acquisition marks one of Masayoshi Son’s boldest bets yet on AI-driven industries and global industrial automation.
The deal gives the Bank ownership of a major global robotics supplier with more than 7,000 employees and clients including automotive giant BMG AG.
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Strategic Shift for ABB, AI Expansion for SoftBank
Swiss-based conglomerate ABB Ltd. had earlier planned to spin off the robotics unit into a separately listed entity by 2026. However, under new CEO Morten Wierod, ABB opted for a full sale to refocus on its electrification and automation businesses — sectors seeing rapid growth amid soaring demand for data centers by companies such as OpenAI and Meta Platforms Inc.
“The sale of the unit has a highly attractive multiple,” said Mark Diethelm, analyst at Vontobel, adding that the expected value of a public listing would have been below $4 billion. ABB’s shares rose as much as 3.3% to a record high in Zurich following the announcement.
SoftBank’s Expanding AI and Robotics Portfolio
For SoftBank, the move fits seamlessly into its AI transformation strategy. The Japanese investment powerhouse is partnering with OpenAI and Oracle on the Stargate initiative, a project to build next-generation data centers across the United States.
The ABB deal provides the Bank exposure to the $75 billion global robotics market, growing at 8% annually, with AI-driven robotics expanding at about 20% a year, according to Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Kirk Boodry.
“This acquisition shows SoftBank’s intent to dominate in industrial automation, one of the key growth pillars in its AI pivot,” Boodry noted.
Recently, SoftBank created Robo HD, a new holding company consolidating its robotics assets, including Berkshire Grey Inc., Agile Robots SE, and Skild AI — an AI robotics model developer.
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Global Manufacturing Presence
ABB’s robotics unit operates manufacturing hubs in China, the United States, and Sweden, supplying robots for industrial arms and assembly lines. The division had been facing challenges from sluggish demand in the automotive and consumer electronics sectors, prompting ABB’s decision to divest.
The deal, expected to close by mid-to-late 2026, is subject to regulatory approvals. “We’re not expecting major regulatory obstacles,” said CEO Morten Wierod. “This divestment gives ABB more flexibility and financial power to pursue new acquisitions.”
A $5.4 Billion Bet on the Future of AI Robotics
SoftBank’s latest purchase underscores Masayoshi Son’s long-term vision to merge robotics, AI, and cloud infrastructure. From its earlier humanoid robot Pepper to its new industrial focus, SoftBank is positioning itself as a central player in the AI-powered manufacturing revolution.
As automation continues to reshape industries worldwide, this acquisition could become a defining moment for the next phase of industrial robotics and AI integration.
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