SoftBank to Buy ABB's $5.4 Billion Robotics Unit, Powering Global AI Ambitions

As per Nikkei Asia, SoftBank Group announced on Wednesday that it will acquire ABB’s robotics division for $5.4 billion. The agreement will be executed through a newly formed holding company. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals in the European Union, the United States, and China. SoftBank expects the deal to close between mid-2026 and late-2026.

ABB Robotics Overview

ABB Robotics is a supplier of industrial robots used in automotive and electronics manufacturing. In 2024, the business reported $2.3 billion in revenue, a 7% decline compared with 2023. EBITDA came in at $313 million, down 19% year-on-year. The unit employs about 7,000 people worldwide.

ABB said the sale will generate about $5.3 billion in cash proceeds. The company expects separation costs of $200 million, with half already reflected in its 2025 guidance. ABB had previously planned to spin off and list the division, but confirmed those plans are now cancelled.

SoftBank’s Robotics Portfolio

SoftBank already owns or has stakes in several robotics and automation firms, including Berkshire Grey, AutoStore, and Agile Robots. It has also created an intermediate entity, Robo Holdings, to consolidate its more than 20 robotics-related investments. The addition of ABB Robotics will further expand this portfolio.

Industrial Projects in the US

Alongside the acquisition, SoftBank said it intends to develop automated industrial complexes in the United States. These sites will integrate robotics into production lines and will be linked to the company’s Stargate data centre project, which is being built to support AI-related operations.

The decision to sell the robotics arm is the first major step by ABB CEO Morten Wierod, who took over in 2024. The company said proceeds from the transaction will be allocated under its existing capital allocation policy.

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Conclusion

The deal marks a major exit for ABB from its robotics business and adds to SoftBank’s growing investments in automation and related technologies.

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