SoftBank Eyes Humanoid Robot Maker
SoftBank Reportedly in Talks to Acquire Majority Stake in 1X Technologies at $6 Billion Valuation
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Key Points
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SoftBank is reportedly seeking a majority stake in 1X Technologies at about a $6 billion valuation, a figure reported by The Information that Reuters could not immediately confirm.
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1X’s Hayward, California facility is a 58,000-square-foot, vertically integrated plant built around a 10,000-unit first-year line for NEO, with a goal of more than 100,000 units annually by end-2027 and a channel to place up to 10,000 robots in EQT portfolio companies from 2026–2030.
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As of mid-July, no third-party customer deliveries of NEO had been verified; units from the Hayward line were being routed to 1X’s own R&D and internal testing rather than paying customers.
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OpenAI and 1X reportedly discussed the possibility of OpenAI acquiring 1X last year, highlighting a link between the OpenAI ecosystem and 1X’s development trajectory.
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The robotics funding environment remains active, with humanoid-robotics startups raising about $8.6 billion in the first half of 2026, underscoring strong investor interest alongside SoftBank’s pursuit of 1X.
SoftBank is in talks to acquire a majority stake in humanoid robot maker 1X Technologies at a valuation near $6 billion, The Information reported. The deal marks SoftBank's latest bet on embodied AI, following CEO Masayoshi Son's push into next-generation robotics that could reshape industries from manufacturing to home care.
1X, backed by OpenAI, builds NEO, a humanoid robot priced at $20,000 with a $499 monthly rental option. The company claims it can make about 10,000 units in year one from its California factory, though no independent customer deliveries have been verified yet.
From $10 Billion Dreams to $6 Billion Reality
1X previously sought $1 billion in funding at a $10 billion valuation. That target never materialized. The new $6 billion figure represents a significant step down, signaling investor caution even as SoftBank doubles down on the sector. The gap reveals how hard it is to turn robot prototypes into profitable businesses.
A Factory Built for Scale, but No Customers Yet
1X operates a 58,000-square-foot facility in Hayward, California. The plant is designed to churn out 10,000 NEO units annually to start, ramping to over 100,000 by end-2027. But as of mid-July, robots rolling off the line went straight to 1X's own labs and testing—not to paying customers. Production without sales is a red flag.
OpenAI's Earlier Interest Signals Market Momentum
OpenAI and 1X discussed an acquisition last year but the deal did not happen. That conversation underscores how attractive 1X looks to major tech players betting on AI-powered robots. The fact that SoftBank is now pursuing a majority stake shows the robotics race is heating up fast.
Humanoid Robotics Funding Hits Record Heights
Humanoid robotics startups raised $8.6 billion in the first half of 2026, reflecting intense investor appetite. SoftBank's reported move fits a broader pattern: deep-pocketed tech giants are racing to own pieces of the next computing platform. Whether 1X can deliver on its promises—and actually sell robots—will define the sector's credibility.
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