SoftBank Acquires ABB Robotics Business for $5.38 Billion

SoftBank Group has announced the acquisition of ABB Ltd's robotics business for $5.38 billion, in what marks the Japanese conglomerate's most significant push into industrial automation and manufacturing technology.

The deal, announced October 8, 2025, represents SoftBank's strategic bet on the convergence of robotics and artificial intelligence in manufacturing. ABB's robotics division is a global leader in industrial automation, serving automotive, electronics, and logistics sectors.

The acquisition comes as global manufacturers increasingly turn to automation to address labor shortages and improve efficiency. ABB's robotics business generated approximately $3.3 billion in revenue last year, with operations in 53 countries.

'This acquisition aligns with our vision of accelerating the adoption of AI and robotics across industries,' said a SoftBank spokesperson. 'ABB's robotics expertise combined with our AI capabilities will drive the next generation of intelligent automation.'

The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. ABB will retain a 20% stake in the business and continue as a strategic partner.