SoftBank eyes $6B 1X deal as humanoid robot race accelerates

What happened

SoftBank Group is negotiating to buy humanoid robot maker 1X Technologies at a valuation of about $6 billion, according to a report from The Information on August 26, 2026, citing unnamed sources. The deal is not yet confirmed.

Confirmed

Global impact / market context

If completed, this purchase would show SoftBank's big bet on humanoid robots, a growing field. It could push other tech investors to fund similar robot startups, increasing competition and possibly speeding up robot use in warehouses and factories.

Analyst inference

The robot industry is attracting large investments as companies seek automation to cut labor costs. A $6 billion deal would signal high confidence in humanoid robots, potentially raising valuations for other robotics firms and drawing more investor money into the sector.

Analyst inference

What to watch

1. Watch for official confirmation from SoftBank or 1X Technologies about the acquisition, including the final price and whether the deal closes. Confirmed
2. Investors should track how SoftBank plans to pay for the deal, such as using cash or borrowed money, and whether it affects their other investments. Proposed
3. See if other robot makers announce similar funding or acquisition talks, which could indicate a broader trend in the industry. Analyst inference

Evidence

• cryptopolitan.com