SoftBank is in talks to acquire a majority stake in 1X at a valuation of $6 billion

According to The Information, informed sources revealed that SoftBank is negotiating to acquire a majority stake in the startup 1X Technologies, which is a humanoid robot development company supported by OpenAI. This deal would value the company at approximately $6 billion. This investment will support SoftBank's ambitions in the robotics field while also providing 1X with more funding to bring its robots, designed with flexible bodies, into consumers' homes to help users with household chores. The startup, founded 12 years ago, attempted to raise $1 billion last fall at a valuation of $10 billion but reportedly ended up raising less than half of its target.

SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son has long been an investor and owner of robotics developers. He predicts that physical devices combining robotics technology and artificial intelligence will give rise to the next trillion-dollar company. Another sign is that OpenAI reportedly discussed the possibility of acquiring 1X last year, but negotiations ultimately broke down.