SoftBank in talks to take majority stake in 1X at ~$6B valuation, completing its Physical AI stack
CyberRobooo · x · 2026-08-27
The Information reports SoftBank is negotiating to acquire a majority stake in humanoid startup 1X at a $6B valuation; terms may still change. 1X is developing the NEO home humanoid robot.
The thread maps SoftBank's robotics empire: it agreed to buy ABB Robotics for $5.375B last year, led Skild AI's $1.4B round at a $14B+ valuation in January, and holds warehouse automation (AutoStore/Berkshire Grey) plus service robotics (SoftBank Robotics). SoftBank says it has 20+ Physical AI investments with over $8B in unrealized fair value as of FY2025, consolidating robotics assets under Robo HD.
The author argues Son's "Physical AI" strategy is becoming concrete — AI models → robot brains → industrial robots → humanoids → real-world deployment — effectively building an AI robotics conglomerate before the market takes off.
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