SoftBank in Negotiations to Acquire Majority Stake in Humanoid Robot Startup 1X

How 1X’s Technology Fits Into SoftBank’s Vision

SoftBank Group is reportedly in advanced discussions to purchase a controlling interest in 1X, a Norwegian developer of humanoid robots, at a valuation of approximately $6 billion. The talks, which emerged in late August 2026, aim to secure a majority share in the company known for its NEO series of bipedal robots designed for industrial and domestic use. If completed, the deal would mark one of SoftBank’s largest investments in robotics to date, underscoring its strategic push into automation and AI-driven labor solutions.

1X had previously sought to raise $1 billion in funding at a $10 billion valuation during 2025 but ultimately secured less than half that amount, reflecting investor caution amid a broader slowdown in robotics financing. Despite the lower-than-expected round, the company continued to advance its technology, focusing on improving dexterity, battery life, and real-world task performance in environments like warehouses and eldercare facilities. SoftBank’s interest signals confidence in 1X’s long-term potential, particularly as demand grows for robots capable of navigating unstructured human spaces without extensive reprogramming.

What Challenges Could Arise From This Deal?

SoftBank has long positioned itself as a backer of transformative technologies through its Vision Fund, with prior investments in companies like Boston Dynamics and various AI startups. The potential acquisition of 1X aligns with this strategy by adding a humanoid robotics platform that could integrate with SoftBank’s existing AI and telecommunications infrastructure. Industry analysts note that combining 1X’s hardware with SoftBank’s AI capabilities could accelerate the development of robots capable of learning complex tasks through observation and feedback, reducing the need for costly manual programming.

Integrating a Norwegian robotics firm into SoftBank’s global operations may present hurdles related to regulatory approvals, intellectual property rights, and cultural alignment between teams. Additionally, the humanoid robot market remains nascent, with questions about scalability, safety standards, and return on investment for end users. Some experts warn that overestimating near-term demand could lead to overextension, especially if adoption in sectors like manufacturing or healthcare lags behind projections. SoftBank will need to balance aggressive development timelines with realistic milestones to avoid repeating past setbacks in high-risk tech bets.

What does 1X specialize in? 1X develops humanoid robots designed to perform physical tasks in real-world environments, with a focus on mobility, manipulation, and autonomous operation in settings such as logistics centers and assisted living facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is SoftBank interested in 1X now? SoftBank views humanoid robotics as a key area for future growth, especially as AI advances enable robots to handle more complex, variable tasks without constant human oversight, making them more practical for widespread deployment.

What would a majority stake mean for 1X’s independence? A majority stake would give SoftBank controlling influence over 1X’s strategic direction, including funding, product roadmap, and partnerships, while likely allowing the existing management team to remain in place under new ownership.