SoftBank's Bold Move: Acquiring ABB’s Robotics Division for $5.4 Billion
On October 8, 2025, SoftBank Group Corp. made headlines by announcing its agreement to purchase ABB Ltd.'s industrial robotics division, marking a significant $5.4 billion enterprise valuation. This strategic acquisition underscores billionaire Masayoshi Son’s ambitious push into the rapidly evolving realms of artificial intelligence and robotics—fields many believe are shaping the future of global industry.
What makes this deal particularly interesting is the scale and scope of the business SoftBank is taking over. With a workforce exceeding 7,000 employees, ABB’s robotics arm supplies advanced industrial robots and robotic arms to a prestigious list of clients, including automotive giant BMW AG. These robots play crucial roles in streamlining manufacturing processes, boosting efficiency, and maintaining the competitive edge of major companies worldwide.
Originally, Swiss industrial powerhouse ABB had planned to spin off this robotics unit. However, in a surprising pivot, the company has decided to concentrate its efforts on more lucrative areas like electrification. This shift is timely, as electrification technologies are experiencing a surge in demand, especially with fast-growing tech firms like OpenAI and Meta Platforms Inc. investing enormous sums into building and expanding sprawling data centers.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is SoftBank’s aggressive investment in robotics and AI a visionary leap toward the future, or does it reflect an overly optimistic gamble on technologies that still face significant hurdles? And for ABB, does abandoning the robotics division signal a missed opportunity in a market many believe will redefine industrial automation?
This deal throws open a larger debate about where the true value lies in technology today—and who stands to benefit most from these monumental shifts. What do you think? Is SoftBank’s move a masterstroke or a risky bet? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below!
