SoftBank moves to buy robotics research lab from Hyundai
SoftBank Group has agreed to acquire the Robotics and AI Institute from Hyundai Motor Group, with the deal now under review by the U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment. The Cambridge, Massachusetts-based institute, founded in 2022 with over $400 million in initial funding, focuses on robot control, perception, and AI for complex physical tasks. Financial terms were not disclosed, and the companies have declined to comment on the transaction.
The institute originated from Hyundai's 2021 acquisition of Boston Dynamics, receiving over $400 million in seed capital. Its research targets control, perception, and AI for complex physical tasks, notably contributing to the acrobatic movements of Boston Dynamics' latest Atlas. However, that initial funding has now concluded.
SoftBank previously owned Boston Dynamics from 2017 to 2021, and founder Marc Raibert has a long history with both firms. The deal is under national security review by CFIUS. Simultaneously, SoftBank is pursuing a $5.3 billion purchase of ABB's robotics unit, potentially pairing industrial automation with RAI's AI research. Hyundai is also buying back SoftBank's remaining Boston Dynamics stake.
The acquisition could accelerate the commercialization of advanced AI-driven robots, potentially reshaping manufacturing and logistics labor markets. If SoftBank pairs RAI's research with ABB's industrial base, deployment of humanoid and dynamic robots may become more widespread. However, foreign ownership of a U.S. research institute could raise concerns about technology transfer and national security, though the CFIUS review process may address these. The outcome may influence global robotics competition and workforce dynamics.