SoftBank in Talks to Buy Majority Stake in Humanoid Robot Maker 1X at $6 Billion Valuation
SoftBank Group is negotiating to acquire a majority stake in humanoid robot developer 1X Technologies in a deal valued at about $6 billion. The investment aims to bolster SoftBank's robotics business and provide 1X with a longer funding runway to bring its soft humanoid robots into homes for domestic chores. 1X, backed by OpenAI, previously sought $1 billion at a $10 billion valuation in fall 2025 but raised less than half.
SoftBank Group is in talks to acquire a majority stake in 1X Technologies, a developer of humanoid robots, in a transaction valued at approximately $6 billion. The investment is intended to support SoftBank's expansion in robotics while giving 1X Technologies a more extended capital runway to bring its soft humanoid robots into ordinary households for domestic chores.
1X Technologies is a technology company focused on humanoid robot development and is supported by OpenAI. In March 2023, OpenAI led the A2 funding round for 1X through its OpenAI Startup Fund, investing about $23.5 million, marking OpenAI's first investment in a hardware company. Other investors in that round included Tiger Global Management, Norwegian investor Sandwater, the Nissan Alliance, and Skagerak Capital.
The startup had planned to raise $1 billion at a $10 billion valuation in fall 2025, but the final amount raised was less than half of that target. Separately, SoftBank has agreed to acquire the robotics business of Swiss engineering group ABB for $5.4 billion as part of its broader robotics strategy.
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The event has a measured impact on 1 industry. The strongest current signal is positive for Robotics, with intensity 80/100 and 75% confidence over a short term horizon.
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