The $5.4 billion deal combines ABB’s industrial robotics expertise with SoftBank’s AI vision, pushing the future of intelligent machines forward.
Zurich / Tokyo — October 8, 2025 — Robotics and artificial intelligence are merging faster than ever. SoftBank Group announced it will acquire ABB Group’s robotics division for $5.375 billion, marking a turning point in industrial technology.
The sale, expected to close in mid to late 2026, highlights how AI is transforming manufacturing. ABB’s robotics expertise meets SoftBank’s AI capabilities, creating a platform for cognitive automation and the next generation of intelligent robots.
From Industrial Robots to AI-Powered Machines
ABB’s robotics division has been a global leader in automation, supporting industries from automotive manufacturing to electronics assembly. With 7,000 employees worldwide and $2.3 billion in 2024 revenue, ABB Robotics has set high standards for precision and reliability.
Now, SoftBank will take the unit into a new dimension: robots that think, learn, and adapt.
“Artificial intelligence is reshaping manufacturing,” said ABB CEO Morten Wierod. “By combining SoftBank’s AI ecosystem with ABB’s robotics hardware, we can create machines that operate intelligently and autonomously.”
SoftBank’s Physical AI Vision
SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son has long championed Physical AI — intelligence that exists in the real world, not just in the cloud.
“We are moving beyond traditional AI,” Son said. “ABB Robotics allows us to merge mechanical precision with cognitive intelligence. Together, we can create autonomous machines that learn, adapt, and collaborate with humans.”
SoftBank already invests in machine learning platforms, semiconductor design, and AI-driven robotics. ABB brings industrial-grade hardware and decades of engineering experience. Together, they aim to build next-generation intelligent automation systems.
How the Acquisition Benefits Both Companies
ABB benefits by focusing on core areas like electrification, process automation, and digital energy. The sale will bring $5.3 billion in net cash and around $2.4 billion in pre-tax gains, allowing ABB to invest in R&D and strategic growth.
“This is a win-win,” said Peter Voser, ABB Chairman. “SoftBank is the ideal home for our robotics business. ABB can concentrate on sustainable automation while SoftBank drives AI-powered innovation.”
The robotics business will be reported as a discontinued operation starting in Q4 2025. ABB’s Machine Automation unit (B&R) will integrate into its Process Automation division, simplifying operations while maintaining service continuity for customers.
A Glimpse Into Cognitive Automation
SoftBank plans to combine ABB’s hardware with its AI capabilities to create robots that perceive, learn, and act autonomously. These machines could:
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Detect anomalies before they occur
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Reconfigure production lines dynamically
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Collaborate safely with human workers
“Industrial robots will evolve from task executors to cognitive partners,” said Dr. Hiro Tanaka, professor at the University of Tokyo. “SoftBank and ABB are driving the industry toward this reality.”
By leveraging cloud AI, multiple robots could share knowledge and learn collectively, boosting efficiency across factories and warehouses. This networked intelligence could also improve predictive maintenance, reduce energy consumption, and enhance safety.
The Industry Context
The deal reflects a global trend: AI is reshaping the industrial robotics market. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), AI-enabled automation could account for a significant share of the projected $150 billion robotics market by 2030.
Companies worldwide are racing to embed AI into robotics. Startups, tech giants, and industrial firms aim to develop machines that learn continuously, reducing downtime and boosting productivity. SoftBank’s acquisition puts it at the forefront of this transformation.
“They’re not buying robots; they’re buying the intelligence layer that will define the next decade,” said Laura Chen, senior analyst at IDC Asia Pacific.
ABB’s Continued Leadership in Automation
ABB’s focus on electrification, process automation, and sustainability remains strong. The company employs over 110,000 people globally and operates in more than 100 countries.
“ABB’s mission is unchanged,” said Voser. “We’re helping industries operate efficiently and sustainably. The future of automation isn’t just machines — it’s intelligent, interconnected ecosystems.”
The divestment frees up capital to invest in digital energy management, smart grids, and AI-enabled industrial solutions, aligning with global sustainability goals.
SoftBank’s New Robotics Ecosystem
SoftBank plans to expand ABB’s research footprint with AI and robotics labs in Tokyo, Zurich, and Boston. These centers will focus on integrating machine learning, perception algorithms, and cloud intelligence into industrial robots.
“Our goal is to create robots that understand context and collaborate with humans,” said SoftBank CTO Naoki Sato. “ABB’s expertise accelerates that mission.”
The new AI-robotics stack combines three layers:
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Hardware intelligence — ABB’s actuators, sensors, and motion controls
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Cognitive intelligence — SoftBank’s AI models and neural networks
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Operational intelligence — Cloud connectivity for real-time optimization
This stack enables robots to self-optimize across factories, warehouses, and even healthcare facilities.
The Broader Impact
Analysts say the acquisition sets a new benchmark for industrial AI integration. Companies like Siemens, FANUC, and Yaskawa are also embedding AI into robots, but SoftBank’s approach could accelerate cognitive robotics adoption globally.
“This is a shift from automation to intelligence,” said Kevin Wu, robotics VC. “ABB and SoftBank are building robots that learn across networks, not just follow programmed instructions.”
The collaboration may also influence global supply chains, logistics, and smart manufacturing ecosystems. By merging AI and robotics, SoftBank is creating a blueprint for future industrial competitiveness.
Looking Ahead
As the deal progresses, the ABB–SoftBank partnership could redefine what industrial robots can do. With AI cognition at the core, machines will predict, adapt, and make decisions, transforming how factories operate.
“We’re entering the cognitive era of manufacturing,” said Dr. Tanaka. “ABB and SoftBank are not just improving efficiency — they’re changing the fundamental role of machines in society.”
For ABB, the sale is a chance to concentrate on sustainable automation and digital infrastructure. For SoftBank, it’s a gateway to building the world’s first AI-driven industrial ecosystem.
Conclusion
The $5.4 billion deal is more than a corporate transaction — it’s a signal that intelligent automation is here. The combination of ABB’s industrial expertise and SoftBank’s AI capabilities could transform manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and more.
“We are building robots that think, learn, and collaborate,” said Son. “This is the next phase of industrial progress.”
The ABB–SoftBank partnership underscores a simple truth: the future of robotics is intelligence plus action, not just mechanics.