Sony Group, a major Japanese investor, recently announced its intention to acquire ABB Group's robotics business in Zurich, Switzerland, for a staggering $5.375 billion. The transaction is pending regulatory approval and is expected to be completed by mid-2026. The robotics division of ABB Group currently employs approximately 7,000 people and primarily sells robots and equipment used for tasks such as picking, cleaning, and painting.
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In 2024, the department's revenue reached $2.3 billion, accounting for 7% of ABB's total revenue. Notably, ABB had already announced plans to spin off its robotics business earlier this year.
Sony stated that after the acquisition, it hopes to "revive" the sales of ABB's robots. In 2024, the revenue from ABB's robotics business decreased by $2 million compared to the previous year, which undoubtedly provides new momentum for the acquisition.
In recent years, Sony has been increasing its investments and efforts in the field of robotics, involving multiple well-known companies, including traditional players like AutoStore, as well as emerging startups such as Skild AI and Agile Robots. Additionally, in 2014, Sony also launched its own robotics platform — Sony Robotics Group.
Yoshida Masayoshi, Chairman and CEO of Sony Group, stated at a press conference: “Sony's next frontier is physical artificial intelligence. By working with ABB Robotics, we will bring together world-class technology and talent, driving a significant evolution in the integration of artificial superintelligence and robotics, thus promoting human progress.”
Sony has identified robotics as one of its four key investment areas, alongside artificial intelligence chips, artificial intelligence data centers, and energy. In its statement, Sony said: “The center of the information revolution has shifted from personal computers, the internet, and broadband to smartphones, and now into a new phase led by artificial intelligence. In this context, Sony Group declares its mission is to achieve artificial superintelligence (ASI) to promote human progress.”
Key points:
🌟 Sony Group announced the acquisition of ABB's robotics business for $5.375 billion, and the transaction is expected to be completed in 2026.
🤖 The ABB robotics division has 7,000 employees, with a revenue of $2.3 billion in 2024, which decreased compared to the previous year.
🚀 Sony considers robotics as one of its four key investment areas, aiming to promote the development of physical artificial intelligence.
