SoftBank is in talks to acquire a majority stake in OpenAI-backed humanoid robot developer 1X Technologies, in a deal that could value the startup at around $6 billion, according to a report by The Information citing people familiar with the matter. The talks are ongoing, and terms could still change.

The potential investment would strengthen SoftBank’s growing focus on robotics and artificial intelligence. OpenAI invested in 1X in 2023 through its startup fund, alongside Tiger Global and Norway-based investors. OpenAI and 1X had also discussed the possibility of an acquisition last year.

The move follows SoftBank’s broader expansion into the robotics sector. Last year, the Japanese conglomerate agreed to acquire Swiss engineering group ABB’s robotics business for about $5.4 billion, highlighting its ambition to build a stronger position in the rapidly developing robotics industry.

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