The global industrial robotics market is witnessing a transformative moment as ABB has decided to sell its robotics business to the SoftBank Group, abandoning its previous plan to spin off the unit.
On October 8, 2025, ABB Group announced that it has reached an agreement with SoftBank Group to sell its robotics business unit to SoftBank at an enterprise valuation of $5.375 billion. This decision overturns ABB's earlier plan to list the business unit independently in the second quarter of 2026. The transaction has been approved by SoftBank's board of directors and is now pending routine regulatory approvals in the EU, China, the US, and other regions, with completion expected in the mid-to-late 2026 period.
This acquisition not only involves a substantial financial amount but also reflects SoftBank Group's firm commitment to the "Physical Artificial Intelligence" strategy. ABB's robotics business employs approximately 7,000 people and generated sales revenue of $2.3 billion in 2024, accounting for about 7% of ABB Group's total revenue.
1. ABB's Strategic Adjustment
ABB's decision to sell its robotics business signifies a major shift in the company's strategic direction. ABB's Chairman stated that, after careful evaluation, the board believes SoftBank's acquisition proposal reflects the long-term strength of the robotics business and can create immediate value for shareholders. ABB's Chief Executive Officer further indicated that the proceeds from the sale would be used for new technology research and development, capacity expansion, and potential acquisitions in the electrification and automation sectors.
2. SoftBank's AI Ecosystem Layout
For SoftBank, this acquisition is a crucial step in building a comprehensive artificial intelligence ecosystem. SoftBank's Chairman and CEO clearly stated, "The Group's next strategic frontier is Physical AI, which will integrate super artificial intelligence with robotics technology." SoftBank's recent deployments in the robotics field have been active and systematic. Its jointly invested "Stargate Data Center" project will provide powerful computing support for AI model training and robotics technology R&D.
3. Market Structure and Future Impact
ABB is one of the "Big Four" in global industrial robotics, ranking second in market share. This acquisition will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the global industrial robotics market landscape. The Chinese market is particularly critical in this transaction. China is ABB's largest robotics delivery market globally, with over 90% of its robots produced locally.
The landscape of the global industrial robotics market is being reshaped. As Chinese domestic brands have reached a 57% market share and continue to grow, the era dominated by the traditional "Big Four" has come to an end. In the future, as super AI and industrial robots deeply integrate within SoftBank's ecosystem, the intelligent upgrade of global manufacturing may welcome an entirely new conductor.
