SoftBank in Talks for Majority Stake in 1X at $6 Billion Valuation

Aug 30, 2026
SoftBank is in talks to buy a majority stake in humanoid robot developer 1X Technologies at a valuation of about $6 billion.

Reuters reports that SoftBank Group Corp. is in talks to buy a majority stake in OpenAI backed humanoid robot developer 1X Technologies in a deal that would value the startup at about $6 billion. The report cites people with knowledge of the deal and says the talks are ongoing, with terms still subject to change.

SoftBank declined to comment. 1X did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

1X develops humanoid robots and received investment from the OpenAI Startup Fund in 2023, alongside Tiger Global and Norway based investors. OpenAI and 1X also discussed a possible acquisition by the ChatGPT maker last year, but no deal followed.

The talks come after SoftBank agreed last year to acquire ABB's robotics business for $5.4 billion. A deal for 1X would add a humanoid robot developer to SoftBank's robotics investments.

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