AIBRIEF
SoftBank's reported US$6B offer for 1X, the OpenAI backed humanoid robot developer, follows its US$5.4B ABB robotics deal and would set a new strategic acquirer price band if the talks close.
SoftBank is in talks to take a majority stake in 1X Technologies, the OpenAI-backed humanoid-robot developer, at a reported pre-deal valuation of about US$6 billion, The Information reported on Wednesday. SoftBank declined to comment, 1X did not respond, and Reuters could not immediately confirm the talks. Terms could still change.
If the deal closes at that level, it would be the second SoftBank robotics acquisition in roughly twelve months. The Japanese group agreed last year to buy ABB's robotics business for US$5.4 billion. Two strategic-acquirer prices, back to back, would set a new pricing band for humanoid robotics distinct from the venture rounds that have defined the category to date.
1X is not a new SoftBank target. OpenAI invested in the company in 2023 through the OpenAI Startup Fund, alongside Tiger Global and a group of Norway-based investors. OpenAI and 1X also previously discussed the possibility of OpenAI acquiring 1X; that conversation did not close.
The reported US$6 billion is a target, not a confirmed price, and the deal could still slip. If it does not, it forces a re-pricing on every other humanoid-robot cap table in the market.