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China blocks SoftBank's $5.4bn purchase of ABB robotics unit

Published

The deal would have given SoftBank ABB's robotics division. The block is a shock for SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son, whose ambitions in physical AI now face a setback, according to one report.

SoftBank agreed to buy the robotics division from ABB, the seller. The purchase was valued at $5.4bn.

One report described the decision as a shock that threatens the physical AI plans of Masayoshi Son.

Key facts

Who
Masayoshi Son (SoftBank figure whose physical AI ambitions are referenced); SoftBank (acquirer of ABB's robotics division); ABB (seller of its robotics division)
What
China has blocked SoftBank's $5.4bn acquisition of ABB's robotics division, a move the article describes as a shock that threatens Masayoshi Son's ambitions in physical AI.
When
5 November 2026
Where
China
Status
Reported

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