SoftBank Group has agreed to acquire ABB’s industrial robotics division for approximately $5.4 billion in a deal expected to close in mid-to-late 2026, subject to regulatory approvals in key regions including the European Union, China, and the United States.
ABB’s robotics business, employing over 7,000 people and serving clients like BMW, manufactures industrial robotic arms and automation systems used worldwide across sectors such as automotive, electronics, and logistics.
Originally, ABB planned to spin off this division as a separate publicly listed entity in 2026, but the attractive offer from SoftBank prompted a direct sale instead.
A shift in strategy for ABB
Under ABB’s CEO Morten Wierod, who took office last year, the company is strategically pivoting to focus on higher-margin areas like electrification and automation that support massive energy needs for data centres operated by tech giants such as OpenAI and Meta.
The divestment is expected to sharpen ABB’s financial flexibility and strategic focus while generating roughly $5.3 billion in cash proceeds, likely to be used for acquisitions and share buybacks. ABB’s shares rose approximately 3.3% on the news, reflecting investor confidence.
SoftBank’s renewed robotics ambition
For SoftBank and its founder Masayoshi Son, the acquisition marks a renewed push into robotics and “Physical AI,” the combination of artificial intelligence with real-world robotic systems.
SoftBank intends to integrate ABB Robotics with its existing portfolio of robotics investments, including Berkshire Grey, Agile Robots, Skild AI, and AutoStore, under its Robo HD holding company. This consolidation aims to accelerate innovation at the intersection of AI and industrial automation.
SoftBank has a history in robotics, having launched the humanoid robot Pepper in 2014, and continues to invest in cutting-edge automation technologies. The acquisition enhances SoftBank’s ability to serve growing demand in advanced manufacturing and data infrastructure, aligning with its broader ambitions to drive the next industrial revolution with AI-powered robotics.
Fueling the data centre race
ABB Robotics generated revenue of approximately $2.3 billion last year, with a 12.1% EBITA margin, competing globally with companies such as Fanuc, Yaskawa, and Kuka. The acquisition gives SoftBank a strong global manufacturing and customer network in key markets, including the US, China, and Sweden.
If the transaction obtains regulatory approval and closes as planned, it represents a defining moment in the global robotics industry and signals SoftBank’s commitment to leading the future of AI-driven automation.
