SoftBank invests $5.4 bn to acquire ABB’s robotics unit and $200 m in Gravis Robotics
SoftBank Group announced the acquisition of ABB’s robotics division for $5.4 billion (about 7.2 trillion won) and a $200 million (about 270 billion won) Series A investment in Gravis Robotics, a construction‑robotics spin‑out from ETH Zurich. The deals were disclosed at a robotics and automation event in Zurich on 11 November 2026. SoftBank’s moves illustrate the surge of foreign capital into Swiss deep‑tech, where foreign investors now account for 88% of large funding rounds.
Why it matters
The acquisition gives SoftBank a foothold in the global industrial‑robot market through ABB’s established sales network, while the Gravis investment expands its exposure to emerging construction‑robotics technology. Analysts note that the heavy reliance on foreign funding could affect the long‑term financing landscape for Swiss robotics firms.
Key facts
- 1SoftBank agreed to acquire ABB’s robotics business for $5.4 billion (about 7.2 trillion won). biz.chosun.com
- 2SoftBank invested $200 million (about 270 billion won) in Gravis Robotics in August 2026. biz.chosun.com
- 3Foreign investors accounted for 88% of capital in Swiss deep‑tech funding rounds that raised $100 million or more. biz.chosun.com
- 4Swiss investors’ share of later‑stage funding fell to 13% last year, down from an average of 27% in 2019‑2022. biz.chosun.com
- 543% of Swiss scale‑ups (115 of 265) are spin‑offs from universities or research institutes. finance.biggo.com
Summary written by AlphAI AI Desk from 2 of 2 sources. Not investment advice. Figures are as stated by the linked sources.