SoftBank buys ABB Robotics for $5.4 billion: Why this deal is Big for both companies

Japanese tech giant SoftBank is acquiring ABB’s robotics unit for $5.4 billion, signaling a major push into “Physical AI.” This strategic move by SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son aims to bolster its AI investments. Meanwhile, ABB CEO Morten Wierod is divesting the struggling robotics division to fund growth in electrification and automation, with the deal expected to finalize by mid-2026.