SoftBank reportedly wants a controlling stake in 1X Technologies, a humanoid robotics firm backed by OpenAI, in a transaction that would put the startup’s valuation near $6 billion.
The Japanese conglomerate, led by Masayoshi Son, has accelerated its robotics ambitions over the past year. A deal would deepen SoftBank’s presence in a sector poised to reshape manufacturing, logistics, and everyday labor.
According to The Information, negotiations remain fluid and final terms could shift before any agreement closes. Neither SoftBank nor 1X has commented publicly on the talks, and Reuters could not independently verify the report.
OpenAI’s history with 1X runs deep. The two companies reportedly explored an acquisition scenario last year. In 2023, OpenAI’s Startup Fund joined Tiger Global and several Norway-based investors in backing the robotics developer.
SoftBank’s interest follows its $5.4 billion agreement to buy ABB’s robotics division, a move that signaled serious intent to dominate industrial automation. Acquiring a majority position in 1X would extend that push into humanoid robots specifically.
Meanwhile, SoftBank continues pouring capital into AI infrastructure across Europe. The company announced plans to build and run 5 gigawatts of AI data center capacity in France, with investments reaching up to €75 billion, or roughly $87 billion.
Son framed that commitment as a bet on nations willing to construct the backbone for next-generation AI. France’s industrial base and talent pool, he said, make it a natural hub for that transformation.
Should the 1X deal proceed, SoftBank would secure a rare foothold in a startup blending AI software with physical robotic hardware. The outcome may influence how quickly humanoid robots move from prototype labs into commercial deployment.
